Disclaimer

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Guidance

Time and distance are now compressed in the modern age.

Negative events occur and unfold dynamically.

You may need to shelter in place, or go mobile, on foot or in a vehicle.

It is advised to store a ‘go’ or ‘bug out’ bag in a vehicle or an accessible location.

Contents to consider:

– First aid kit

– Cash

– notes and coins

– Radio

– AM/FM emergency radio with batteries or obtain one with a hand crank / solar panel

– Food items

– Bottled water in sufficient quantity to sustain the number of people expected to travel with you

– High visibility vest

– Eye glasses or googles for flying debris

– Toilet paper

– Whistle

– Duct tape

– Plastic sheeting. To shelter in place if needed. Ideally colored such as bright orange for visibility. It can also act as a signal panel to aircraft

– Plastic ties / zip ties

– Garbage bags

– Swiss Army style pocket knife that includes a can opener, to open food.

– Heavy work gloves – leather ideally

– Waterproof matches

– LED torch with in date replacement batteries. Consider also packing an LED headlamp. It makes it easier when you need your hands i.e. changing a tire

– Vehicle break glass hammer / seat belt cutter

– Fire blanket (for remote and hot weather locations)

– Small signaling mirror

– Sling for bag, if it’s not a backpack

Best practices for a ‘go bag’

Select a bag that is durable.

Select one that uses dark colors and no camouflage.

It signals to others the intent of the bag or your background and attracts unwanted attention.

This makes you a target for robbery.

One option is a dark colored generic backpack, that fits your needs and doesn’t look like a dedicated, overly large and high value back pack. No one will ever notice in the aftermath of an urban emergency.

This will assist you blending in on foot.

Don’t Overpack

We tend to pack our survival bags as full as possible because having more supplies gives a sense of being more prepared.

Overpacking an urban survival bag can present two problems:

1. When a bag is packed full, it is obvious to see that it is full of something, which could draw attention thieves.
2. A large heavy bag can make it more difficult to quickly move through crowds, stairways, doorways, etc.

Generally speaking, having more supplies is better than not having enough, but keep the above in mind when packing your bag.

Don’t Advertise

This is a continuation of blending in and probably goes without saying, but do not put anything on the outside of the bag.

Having a bag that blends in color and style wise is not going to do any good if there is gear hanging on the outside or patches displayed.

Displaying patches can be a sensitive subject, because people are proud of their accomplishments or whatever the patch indicates.

Anything that is put on the outside of the bag can advertise what is inside, who you are, and can draw undue attention.

When in doubt, don’t advertise.