In light of the recent destruction in Moore, Oklahoma this week, I think we can all appreciate being a little more prepared. When some people hear the term “bug out bag” they often think of prepper shows they may have seen on TV, but with all of the natural disasters recently I think it’s time BOBs became more of a household name. There may come a time when you’re displaced from your home and cannot return for a while to a natural disaster, economic collapse, and yes even a zombie apocalypse.

There are three main types of load outs that are involved in the SHTF (That’s Shit Hits The Fan for all you non-preppers) system. The first is your EDC, this is often what you carry in your pockets and on your person every day. The second is a get home bag (GHB) which is a small bag that stays in your car and has enough supplies for you to make it home, wherever that may be. The third is the Bug out bag, which is the bag we’re discussing in this post.

Each family member should have a pack that contains enough clothing, food, medicine and hygiene products to last approximately 72 hours. The clothing in these bags should be seasonally appropriate, so the clothing should be changed out at least 4 times a year. Two other important things that your BOBs should include are cash ($200 is a good start) and copies of your important documents (SSN cards, Birth Certificates, ID, etc.)

Now some of you may have huge 90 liter bug out bags with shelters, stoves, guns/ammo, machetes and that’s great but it’s important that we have practical bags for our family members that they can actually carry. There’s a good chance that those who are bugging out will make their way to a safe area set up by authorities and walking in with an armory strapped to your pack will probably just end up with confiscation. I personally have 2 types of BOBs; one for a natural disaster in which I will be making my way TO the authorities, and the second pack for when the SHTF and I will be making way FROM the authorities (and civilization in general).

Situational awareness is paramount when deciding what type of bug out we’re facing. So in closing, get your family involved in the process and make sure they know why they have a bug out bag. There’s nothing extreme about being prepared for being displaced from our homes.