Everyone should have a “Bug-Out Bag”, also known as an Emergency Bag. Buying a premade one is usually very expensive, and never seems to have everything that you need in it, and therefore, you end up spending far more money than you need to, in order to make a proper bug-out bag. The ideal bag will be able to care for your family, in an emergency, for 3 days. That is the most critical time after an emergency, like a flood, fire, earth-quake or any other unexpected event. Just because you don’t expect it, doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare for it.
This post is going to be the first in a series, to help you build a bug-out bag on a budget. Each week, I will add a few things to the list. If you follow along, you will have the perfect bug-out bag for your family at the end of the series, and you will have done it on the cheap.
Most people who have kids have an extra backpack or two lying around, use that if you have one, if not, you can usually pick one up at Walgreens or WalMart for around $5-$10. I am going to assume that we already have a bag to start adding things to it.
I like these little Emergency Kits in a Sardine can, because of their compact size,and the fact that they are airtight. It holds a couple emergency medical supplies, nourishment, and navigational aids. You can cook in it and boil water in it if needed. I suggest keeping 1 for each member of your family, in your bug-out bag. You may also want to keep 1 in your handbag and your car glove box. This isn’t needed in your bag, but is a good start, since it has a little of everything. It is a bit pricey, so if you want to skip this item, feel free to do so.
Another item that should be in every Bug-Out bag is a heat Reflective Emergency Blanket, also 1 for each family member. These are good for multiple reasons, the first and most obvious, is to keep you warm in cold temperatures. It will also reflect sun in hot weather, which will keep you cooler. The reflective silver color can also help signal for help when the light bounces off of it.
Drinking water is a must, but carrying around a gallon of water per day can be cumbersome. While it is recommended to have 1 gallon of water per family member, per day, it isn’t possible to keep that in a bug-out bag. It is possible, however, to keep a water bottle that has a built in filter into it. This way you will be able to use whatever water is available, and make it into drinking water.
These three items will run you around $14 per family member ($6 if you didn’t get the sardine cans), and is a good start to your Bug-Out Bag.
I want to help my readers create their emergency kits (different than an emergency bag) as well as their bug out bags, so each week, I will be giving away an item that should be in your kits or bag. This week, I am giving away a pocket wire handsaw.
We do not have a Bug-Out-Bag, and I actually did not know what one was until I read your description above. I do have a First Aid Kit in my car but not the other items that you mentioned. What a wise idea!
I do not. I should though. I think they should all have water of course. But I like that little pocket handsaw!
b recently posted…Build a Bug-Out Bag on a Budget: Week 1
I’m going to be working on one, this is a great idea! Need to make sure you have a gun and ammo.
we do not have one yet. all emergency kits should have food rations.
I don’t have a bag, but I love the water filter.
I don’t have a bug out bag, but I do have my tote! I don’t think we could survive long in the wilds with my tote, but we could make it to a shelter. One important thing besides water is some kind of wipes or other way to stay clean or clean wounds.
Don’t have one. Haven’t even given any thought to making one, but I will now.
I have been wanting to get started on prepping but just haven’t gotten around to it. Thank you for the helpful tips.
We don’t have one. I’ve really been thinking about it though!
We have been talking about making Bug Out bags for the family for awhile. These are some great ideas for them!
We have a few things in case of emergencies… A store room with food and bottled water. And also a first aid.
I have started a bag, however I am not sure of everthing that is needed. I do have first sid kits and I know that we need something to keep us warm,so I have ordered the Mylar Blankets for my bag!
We do not have bug out bags. We watch Doomsday Preppers and talk about it. But never have extra money to prepare them
We have one, due to the ammount of close calls we have been getting during tornado season. You should also have flashlights & batteries I your bag.
Every B.O.B. needs at least a basic first aid kit!
We don’t have one, for us it would include a great deal of equipment as my husband dialyzes at home.
We do have a bug out bag and the most important thing in it is a battery operated nebulizer and extra medication for my daughter. She has severe asthma and without electricity we would be in big trouble.
We don’t have a bug out bag, but will definitely start making one! I think the water filter idea is probably the one item all bags should have!
We don’t have a bug out bag either
I have a boy scout grandson that informed me that we need bug out bags. So this is a great thing to have. Hope I win, so I can surprise him. :)
I always keep a flashlight in mine
Not yet. I think flashlights (solar power and battery), and water treatment tablets.
I have a few emergency supplies, dried food, solar powered radio and lamp, and bottled water.
Sadly, I do not have a Bug-Out Kit! I feel any kit made should have water, matches, band-aids and antibiotic cream! Good Luck to all! :) Happy Friday Everyone!
We have a tote with emergency supplies but a bag would be great. First aid items should be included.
we don’t have one yet but water is very important
Just started to build my emergency kit! We have emergency mylar blankets, water, and flashlights for now. Hoping to really build it up this year!
Would love to win thanks
We don’t yet, but my hubby has been talking about it. Antibacterial hand wash and antibiotic cream will definitely be in mine when I make one.