Bug-out bags

Sheltering at home is usually safer: you have your supplies, your bed and your neighbors. Leave when officials order an evacuation, when your home is damaged or flooding, or when a fire or chemical leak is close.

• Water: 1 liter carried, plus a filter or purification tablets.
• Food: 3 days of no-cook calories: bars, nut butter packets, jerky, trail mix.
• Shelter & warmth: rain layer, warm layer, emergency blanket or bivy, a small tarp.
• Light & fire: headlamp, spare batteries, two lighters, a ferro rod.
• First aid & medicine: a small kit and at least 7 days of prescriptions.
• Clothes: one change, plus extra socks.
• Hygiene: toothbrush, wipes, sanitizer, toilet paper, period products.
• Papers & money: copies of IDs and insurance in a waterproof bag, plus cash.
• Tools: multi-tool, duct tape, paracord, work gloves, N95 mask.
• Comms & navigation: phone cable, power bank, paper map, whistle.

• Kids carry a small bag with a comfort item, snacks, a light and a card with your contact info. You carry the heavy stuff.
• Pets need food, water, a leash, a carrier, records and a photo of you together.

• Check every bag twice a year, when the clocks change.
• Swap clothes for the season and replace expired food, water and medicine.
• Keep the car's gas tank at least half full.