We are all concerned with having the equipment we need when we need it. We spend a lot of time working and preparing our bug out bags. But what if you are at work and you need to get back home. What kind of plan do you have for that. I have a get home bag.  What if you are several miles from home and the power is shut down, or your car won’t start or a million other scenarios. Think about building a Get home bag.

Your get home bag doesn’t have to be elaborate but it does need to have some basic survival things in it. You will want to have some water, either bottled or the packages you can get. You need 1 gallon of water per day per person. You will want to have some kind of food in your bag, maybe some protection like a knife or whatever your choice is. In my bag i like to keep a good pair of shoes made for walking. You will also need to consider if your area has snow or is sunny all the time. That will dictate what kind of shoe you will need for your situation. You wouldn’t want to wear sandals for walking twenty miles in snow.

A few other things you might want in your bag, a small first aid kit with moleskin for blisters if you will be walking. A map of the local area, even if you know the area everything looks different outside of your car. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers in case you lose your phone. If you have to leave your car leave a note telling potential rescuers where you went.

I like to keep a lighter and a fire starter in my bag just in case. I also have an emergency blanket, a poncho and some paracord. If you have to stay in one spot you can use it to build shelter with.

The number one thing is don’t panic. Panic will get you hurt or worse. Keep a cool head and things should turn out fine. There is a lot more to this but you get the idea. If you have children in school you should have a plan in place for them also. Are they going to stay put, are you going to come to them or is someone else going to pick them up.

Think about all the what ifs before an emergency. We never know when or where something will happen so be prepared it could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Written by Barbara Conover