Grab and Go Bags Is it Necessary?

Grab and Go Bags

It is funny how now FEMA advises Americans to have an emergency grab and go bag. With shows like Preppers and Survival man it is almost understandable that we as a culture would become more aware of the need to be able to take care of ourselves and our families in an emergency situation.

So what goes in a Emergency grab and go bag? Simple things you would need if you had to leave your home or if you got stranded along the road over night. Last year when Hurricane Sandy hit many people found out the hard way that by taking certain precautions it can make a world of difference.

I have one I keep in the back of my own car because you never know. Inside it is emergency water packets, granola bars, a first aid kit, emergency thermal blanket, spare gloves as well as an assortment of other items. For myself what brought the need home to be smarter about emergency care was when I read FEMA’s advisement. Any mother with kids knows if you're stuck in a car with kids you have to have emergency items to pull out for them because they will get thirsty, or hungry. It may not be the end of the world as we know it but being smart is always better than being sorry.

One of the things I admire about preppers is they are ultimately survivors. They are the individuals who want to get through the bad parts. It isn't hard to put extra food away in your pantry, and to be honest I do so myself. To be perfectly honest there have been times when having backup has come in handy like during Sandy. Disaster isn't pretty or fun it can be a fire that takes away your home, or a catastrophic event. It doesn't matter what or even when. I know there are people who stubbornly insist on living in the here and now never looking out for tomorrow. Because as the saying goes you can't take it with you right?  If you back up a bit though and think about it, would you rather be the dope knocking on doors looking for food or would you rather be that person who is able to take care of your kids in an emergency as well as yourself?

So even if you aren't into prepping for different disaster scenarios setting up your own grab and go back is not a bad idea. All you need is a simple back pack, and a few supplies. Fema recommends having a three day supply of food and water. You can always add what you think is important. Here is a list of basics that should go in any emergency grab and go bag. As I said we keep one in each of our cars for an emergency.

Think about this as well, if these shows did not garner a decent amount of viewers they would not be on and there wouldn't be more popping up every day. If people didn't feel that there was some validity to what these shows are about they would not watch them. There wouldn't be prepper networks and sites on the internet or even prepper stores. Large food chains like Costco and BJ’s wouldn't offer for sale food rations for people to buy that are geared towards preppers.

To stubbornly pretend that the world we are living in is not going through some serious changes is beyond a fantasy land point of view. Its almost irresponsible.

Grab and Go Bag:

For my car I don’t have all of these items but many are included.

1. A three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day.
2. A three-day supply of non-perishable food - foods ready to eat or requiring minimal water are preferred. MRE’s are great for this.
3. Small portable, battery-powered AM/FM radio extra batteries.
4. Flashlight and extra batteries (don’t skimp here get a good quality light).
5. First aid kit and manual.
6. Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap,
7. Toothbrush and toothpaste etc.
8. Matches and waterproof container.
9. Battery powered lantern and batteries
10. Compass & Map.
11. Extra clothing according to climate and season.
12. Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, (wooden spoon or spatula) Girl Scout mess kit, a manual can opener.
13. Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens, and hearing aid batteries etc.
14. Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
15. Sleeping bag or warm blanket (one per person) rating depending on location and climate.
16. A multi-tool. A roll of duct tape, and leather work gloves are also good to have, if you prep  the gloves you can often hang them from a carabiner and attach to your pants.
17. Small bottle of unscented liquid household bleach/ or chlorine tablets  for water purification.
18. Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for  sheltering in place.
19. Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation or other suitable solution.
20. A small multi-fuel backpackers stove (You can find these on any prepper store or Amazon. )
21. Dust mask for each person in your group.
22. 100’ of rope (550lb paracord or similar)