DISASTERS
Building a Bug-Out List
There is no one-size-fits-all evacuation plan. Every family's situation and capabilities differ — but you are sure to need a Bug-Out List: the items to take, ordered by how much time you have.
Grandpa TJ: start the list tonight
This is the first Bug-Out checklist I developed soon after the 2003 Cedar Fire came so close to my house. I've updated it with handwritten notes. It works for my family — yours should be personalized. Stop reading — open your notes app and write a few items you know you'll need. When you need the list, it's too late to start writing it down! - Grandpa TJ -
Sample timeline order for your list
Change the items and the order for your family. Grandpa TJ's first handwritten list (after the 2003 Cedar Fire) is a starting example — personalize yours.
More than Pajamas...
List outdoor clothes, shoes, jackets, hats and gloves for each person — including family members who aren't there yet. Include winter and rainwear in case weather changes.
Every Day Carry (EDC) and Go Bags
Wallet, cellphone and keys next, then homemade Go-Bags or commercial 48-72 hour Emergency Survival Kits with limited shelter, water and food.
Locate SuppliesLight the Night - So You Don't Go Bump
Flashlights, battery or hand-cranked lanterns, and chemical lightsticks save your phone battery for communication instead of flashlight duty.
Locate SuppliesFirst Aid Kits - For When You Do Go Bump
Medical aid may not be available soon — bring at least a basic first aid kit.
Locate SuppliesPrescription and OTC Drugs
Don't forget prescriptions for each family member. Include common OTC meds. Plan a cooler if insulin or other meds need refrigeration.
Locate SuppliesBlankets - To warm the night
Keep people warm. Wool/wool-blend blankets work even when wet; emergency blankets are pocket-sized wind/rain barriers.
Locate SuppliesTowels - So many uses!
Cloth and paper towels beat wiping on clothes. Cloth towels can improvise bandages/splints; paper towels can be fire tinder. Coin-sized compressed towelettes pack easy.
Locate SuppliesShelter (▲)
Get out of the cold and rain
First leg of the survival triangle. Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, heaters/stoves, fire-starting, axes/saws) helps — balance bulk/weight vs usefulness. Skip the folding picnic table if you may hike.
Locate SuppliesWater (▲)
Got to have it!
Second triangle leg — you can go longer without food than water. Bottles, canteens, and purification kits are covered on Locate Supplies.
Locate SuppliesFood (▲)
Because eating
is good!
Final triangle leg: pantry items, homemade survival foods, canned and dehydrated options — see Locate Supplies.
Locate SuppliesEverything else...
As room and time allow: important papers and backups; AM/FM/weather and two-way radios plus phone chargers; cards/games/books; sentimental albums/jewelry/art; then heavy tools/generators if space remains.
Locate SuppliesBug
Out
Timeline
Staged: assembled in an easy-to-load spot. By the front door, middle of the living room, garage, etc.
Loaded: Your planned takeaways are actually in the cars. All you have to do is pile in and go.
Description: spell out exactly what is needed. Don't be guessing when you're in a crisis.
Location(s): where items normally live. Minimize confusion and searching for critical items.
Need help with your situation?
Email Grandpa TJ for free unbiased advice, or join the Inner Circle when you need a real conversation with a real person.
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