A BOBs main focus is evacuation distinguishing it from a survival kit, boating/aviation emergency kit or a fixed-site disaster supply kit.
Other names for BOBs are 72 hour kit, a grab bag, or a GOOD bag (get out of dodge).
The purpose of a BOB is to provide aid when one needs to evacuate. Since disasters are typically regional your BOB should be made specific to your area.
Food,water and shelter are 3 of the most important items to have in your BOB Enough food and water for the 72 hours Prepackaged water like Aqua Blox is useful to carry considering the broad nature, scope, and length of emergencies that could contaminate public drinking water supplies Water purification supplies like Potable Aqua® Water Purification Tablets will also be something to keep in your BOB to clean any contaminated water 3600 Calorie Food Bars are used to help stave off hunger by supplying much needed nutrients. Being prepacked in small 400 calorie bars makes it easier to ration out if needed. Being able to have a shelter will be able to provide one the ability to keep warm or cool. Shelter is important to keep one from the elements like rain and sun.Items like Mylar Blankets are often seen in BOBs due to their many uses from catching rainwater to keeping a person warm when in shock. 2 Person Tube Tents are also often seen in BOBs. They are small usually packaged to be 8.75" x 12" x 1.5" with an actual size of 96" x 36". The orange color makes it easy to spot from the ground or air. |
- A good change of clothes at least 3 days worth.
- A hand crank, a solar powered, or a compact battery operated flashlight. If you don’t get the solar or hand crank type remember to get extra batteries. My personal favorite flashlight is the versatile Fenix PD31.
- Fire starting materials. A butane lighter, some waterproof matches, a magnesium fire starter.
- Some kind of small shovel
- A basic first aid kit.
- Three days’ worth of your medications.
- A lightweight stove would be very nice to have, especially if you are eating dehydrated foods.
Since everyone has different needs each BOB will be made uniquely for them. Add what you think you will need and remove what you feel is unneeded.