Fish Like a GIRL

A few weeks back I wrote a column about gifts for adventurers. For instance, what would a person need if they were out in the woods and could not get back to the trail head for longer than they expected.

Then along come the mega-fires in California. That brings a bit more reality to the “fun” of building a life-sustaining kit in case of emergency. It begs the question: If I were given 60 minutes to flee from my home, could I? Would I be ready in the event of a natural disaster such as the one happening in California? Would you? It is a sobering thought. 

In the world of self-defense and self-reliance, we normally say we all feel more apt to need a “get home” bag or to have the ability to shelter in place for an extended period (be that with or without modern conveniences such as water and electricity or heat), than we would be to need a “bug out” bag. But in the case of a natural disaster such as the wildfires some Americans are now experiencing, a “bug out” bag is just what would be needed.

First, let me explain the terms. A Get Home bag would contain the things a person might need to get from wherever they might be, to their home and their family in the event of an emergency. For instance, a person is at work, however far from their home that may be. Some drastic situation ensues, be that a natural disaster or a manmade one. Perhaps roads are closed. Cell service may be sparse at best. That person needs to get home to protect their family and has to rely only on their own skills. It is worth noting that large disasters seem to bring out the best in humanity. However, desperation often brings out the worst. That said, on a situation by situation basis, it may be safer or more risky to simply walk home on a normally popular route. 

I would posit that a man-made emergency situation would likely be more risky, as there is often confusion in the minutes and hours after an incident — perhaps a terrorist attack. In that situation, concealment may be a necessity for the person trying to get home to their family. A Get Home bag often also contains a means for a person to protect themselves. A weapon with extra ammo and extra magazines is found in most Get Home bags, unless the person normally carries those things on their person.

The bag may also contain a cache of cash or even a fully stocked cache belt, which is a topic all in its own. A cache belt is used to easily carry small and useful survival gear and, yes, some actual cash. Having cash on hand in a situation where there is a widespread power outage, for instance, maybe helpful and afford a person the ability to procure things they might need.

A Get Home bag should also have food and water. Hydration is the most important thing in any emergency situation. Some may opt for fancy hydration packs, but honestly, there is nothing better than straight water in most situations. Again, as discussed in a previous column, a Life Water Straw or some other water purifier can be helpful, too.

A first aid kit, in my opinion, is important no matter where a person is or what they are doing. One never knows when having that kit on hand could help someone, and possibly even save a life. In a column one of these days I will go through setting up a first aid kit, and readers can decide what they are and are not comfortable carrying. The thing with any kit, which cannot be stressed enough, is that no matter what is in a first aid kit, a person must have experience in using each piece of equipment, or there is no sense in carrying it.

Now let us look at the Bug Out bag. If you had to move your entire family quickly, and you were not sure where you were going to go, would you have everything you need? What if roads were blocked, as they were for many fleeing the fires in California, as palm trees collapsed into roadways, making them impassible? What would you need to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy until you could make it to your destination?

That, of course, is a very individual question. What works for Chet and I would not work for a family of five.

Families with pets such as dogs and cats have an entirely different thought process than those without. With that said, all I can do is offer up some ideas and let readers decide for themselves what makes sense in their situation.

The first thing to think about is what important paperwork the family would need if they are gone from their home, assuming the worst and that the home would not be standing upon their return. Like most people, I keep all of my important paperwork in a fireproof safe. Passports, social security cards, birth certificates, copies of health insurance as well as home insurance are all good things to have all in one envelope in a safe. Any documentation a family might need if they are displaced for any length of time is good to keep together in a folder or manilla envelope that can easily be slid into the Bug Out bag.

As for the bag itself, as I said, this is a greatly individual decision, but here are some things to consider. A couple non-negotiables for me are always hydration and sustenance. Bottled water is a good start. In this case I would opt for a water purifier that allows the user to store that water. A Life Straw sort of situation is good if it is the only option, but it is also important to remember those will only work if a person is near a water source.

In this case, food should be a bit more robust than just a few energy bars that one might put in a Get Home bag. Let me say here that I am in no way compensated by, or any part of, any company I mention here. I am simply familiar with certain brands and I feel that will give readers a place to start if they happen to search for these products online or in the local sporting goods store.

Ready Hour now has 72-hour packs, which give the user 3 full days of food at 2,000 calories. Foods such as these and Peak 2, which can be found fairly locally, are not the typical MRE type food one might think. That said, they are no replacement for a home-cooked meal, but survival food has really come along way. 

A 72-hour pack for each person in the family will be a good start. Adding a few energy bars for snacks, especially when kids are involved, will help with the creature comforts.

Speaking of creature comforts, pets should be considered in the food and water equation as well. A water bowl for the furry family member to allow them to share the humans’ water will help to keep them hydrated. Some dry or canned food can be packed into the Bug Out bag, too, and will not have to be changed out often. For dogs, a tie out that can be secured around a tree might give Fido a little more range should the family have to stop somewhere outdoors for a time or overnight. Cats, too, can be leashed, but for those who are not accustomed to walking on a leash, a carrying pouch or kennel should be at the ready with a plan as to who will carry them.

When kids are involved, having a security item or two can be incredibly important. A small stuffed animal can give a displaced child some small sense of comfort in a bad situation and maybe even a “friend” to talk to an confide in.

Shelter may be important as well. Emergency blankets do not take up more room than a travel pack of facial tissue, but they may not be enough. A tent made for hikers, a personal bivy and/or a shelter tube tent may be easier to carry and also provide enough shelter. 

There are many different companies who make these. The one with which I am familiar is Go Time (aptly named).

Many of these types of shelters come in a kit with several different survival tools. For me, I would rather build my own completely and know that I have things I am more apt to need. A folding shovel is a good idea. A wire saw and a machete or some other large chopping tool can hang on the outside of the pack.

A small fishing pack is another good idea that does not take up much room. Looking around the Northwoods, the odds of getting too far without running into a lake are slim. A fishing kit can include fishing line, a few hooks, some weights, a few spinner blades, and maybe even a few small soft plastic baits. However, fish have been known to be caught even on corn or pieces of hot dogs. None of the basics take up much space and any long stick can easily be turned into a fishing rod.

As with my previous advice, creating a fire will likely be important at some point if people are displaced for any length of time. 

Jetboil, Coleman and many others have great camp stoves that do not take up much space. But when it comes to heat, an actual fire is going to be needed. Again, as I advised before, it is best not to rely on fire starting flints. Many people can use them very successfully, but almost no one can make them work every time in subpar conditions. A waterproof lighter case and a lighter that is checked at least yearly is a good place to start. Tinder tabs are another great addition, and they will make starting a fire that much easier. 

The last thing I would recommend in any Bug Out bag would be a solar charger. A solar charger and extra charging cables for cell phones and/or a tablet might allow a displaced person to contact friends or family for help, or at least to let them know they are okay at the moment.

Along those same lines, having all of the family’s important documents and photos backed up onto an external hard drive and/or online somewhere will also help to ensure those things are preserved should something happen to the home computer during this emergency time. Computers should be backed up monthly, and an external hard drive can be kept in a dry bag in the Bug Out bag.

Travel size toiletries can easily be added to the bag as well. Also, at least a week’s worth of any medications needed by any family member should be kept in a dry bag in the Bug Out bag. Complete that pack with some toilet paper tabs. Of course, a couple changes of clothes can be added where there is room. 

Putting all of these things together ahead of time will mean the entire family will be ready to leave if the need arises. 

By the time an emergency situation arises, it is likely too late to get all of these things together.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached at [email protected].