The Ultimate Guide to Bugging Out

Having a solid evacuation plan is critical to keeping your loved ones safe and ready. This guide will walk you through how to prepare for bugging out, including what to pack in a family bug-out bag, a pet emergency kit, a car kit, and how to create an emergency disaster plan.

What Is Bugging Out, and Why Is It Important?

Bugging out refers to evacuating your home in response to a disaster or emergency. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, chemical spill, civil unrest or something else; being able to leave quickly and efficiently can make all the difference. Preparation is key, as it allows you to grab your essentials and go without hesitation or worry that you forgot something.

1. Family Bug-Out Bag Checklist

A family bug-out bag should contain supplies for at least 72 hours.

Here’s what to include:

Essential Items

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Click here to read about some ways to easily carry water in your bug out bag.
• Water Filter: A camp filter like a katadyn or survivor filter is recommended. I don’t recommend survival straws because young kids can have a difficult time using them and they aren’t very efficient when it comes to how much water you can grab and drink at a time, even with a bag.
• Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie snacks like granola bars, protein bars, tuna packets, freeze-dried meals, and baby food (if needed). Take a look at this full list of ideas on what food to pack in your bug out bag.
• First Aid Kit: Include OTC and prescription medications, bandages, antiseptics, and child-specific medicines.
• Clothing: Pack lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing. You’ll want to change out the clothing each season.
• Shelter: A lightweight tent, tarp, or emergency blankets. Think of your family, will they be comfortable with just an emergency blanket? Maybe a lightweight tent would make everyone feel more at ease if it’s needed to be deployed.
• Fire: Waterproof matches, a lighter, and a fire starter.
• Cook Kit: A fire may not always be the best option, carry a small propane/butane camp fuel with a camp stove and small pot to boil water or heat up food as needed.
• Tools: Multi-tool, knife, gorilla tape, paracord, and a folding shovel.
• Lighting: Flashlights/headlamps, extra batteries, and glow sticks.
• Communication: A hand-crank radio and a fully charged power bank.
• Hygiene Items: Travel-sized toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes or no rinse soap, and feminine hygiene products.
• Mask: N95, respiratory or gas mask.
• Cash: Small bills and coins as cards or ATMs may not be working.
• Comfort Items: Toys, journals, books, gum, deck of cards, etc.
• Babies: If you have a baby, be sure to include any toys, blankets, extra clothes, baby wipes, baby food and diapers.

2. Pet Emergency Kit Checklist

Your furry friends also need their own emergency kit. Here’s what to pack:

• Food and Water: A 3-day supply with collapsible bowls and any lightweight, small treats.
• Leash and Harness: Durable and adjustable.
• Comfort Items: A favorite toy or blanket.
• Pet Medications: If they need any medications.
• Waste Bags: For sanitation.
• Pet Documents: Vaccination records, microchip info, and a recent photo.
• Crate or Carrier: For safe transport.

3. Car Emergency Kit Checklist

Your vehicle is your evacuation lifeline. Equip it with essentials:

• Gas Can: A portable gas can and always keep your tank at least half full.
• Tools: Battery jump starter, tire repair kit, and a basic toolset.
• Navigation: Physical maps in case GPS fails.
• Emergency Gear: Flares, window breaker, reflective triangles, and a fire extinguisher.
• First Aid Kit: Every car needs a basic and possibly trauma first aid kit.
• Food and Water: Non perishable foods, switched out every month or so with new food to keep them fresh. A few gallons of water switched out every month or two.
• Portable Potty: This is especially important for kids, but a portable potty could come in handy in case you can’t get to a restroom or can’t pull over to a safe place.
• Seasonal Items: Blankets, ice scraper, and kitty litter, shovel and snow chains in winter; extra water in summer.

4. Creating an Emergency Disaster Plan

A well-thought-out plan ensures your family knows what to do in a crisis.

Steps to Create Your Plan:

1. Identify Risks: Determine the disasters most likely to affect your area (e.g., floods, earthquakes).
2. Establish Meeting Points:
   • Local: A safe spot near your home.
   • Regional: A backup location farther away.
3. Communication Plan:
   • Share a family contact list with all members.
   • Designate an out-of-town contact person.
4. Practice Evacuation Drills: Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows the plan.
5. Plan for Pets: Identify what you’ll be doing with pets or livestock.
6. Important Documents Binder: Store critical documents in a waterproof, fireproof binder as well as digital format.

Take a look at my full guide on how to create an emergency disaster plan.

5. Important Documents Binder

Having your documents ready can save valuable time. Include:

• IDs (passports, driver’s licenses).
• Birth certificates and Social Security cards.
• Home and car insurance policies.
• Medical records and prescriptions.
• Financial documents (bank accounts, deeds, wills).
• Emergency contacts and copies of family photos.

Take a look at this post for more details on creating an emergency binder.

Checklists:

Click here to take a look at all my guides and checklists.

Final Thoughts

Listen, nobody ever wants to leave their home. But there are emergencies that may force you from your home. It’s better to be prepared and have nothing happen, than to be totally caught off guard and panicked.

Start small, stay organized, and practice your plan regularly to ensure a smooth evacuation should you ever have to.

Conquer tomorrow, by preparing today!