Fires and other natural disasters will force you out of your home and away from the neighborhood. Floods will be the same thing. This would also be true of the man made types of disasters, such as invasion by foreign countries and or the melting down of a power plant, locally. This means you will not have the comfort and material support of your home and planning for this will require you to gather bug out bag supplies to help you survive.

Your bag, which could be a fairly large container, must contain the stuff to allow you and your entire party to do more than survive for at least three days. This gathering of materials will begin with water. Every one needs at least one gallon a day. More if it is hot outside and more if you will have to exert yourselves in order to get away.

Food will have to be considered. Perishables will not be a good choice as they will not last very long and you are going to be on the move. Cans will be the best, but they get heavy. You can use the cans, afterward, to cook food in if you keep them clean and dry. Make sure you bring a can opener.

Pack a tarp or large plastic sheet. This will provide you with a measure of shelter. Something that is critical especially if it might be raining or in other inhospitable weather. This sheet can be draped over several branches or from a bush to another bush and slanted to keep water away from you.

Personal warmth is also needed. This can mean a bunch of blankets or enough sleeping bags for everyone. You must stay warm, especially during the evening in order to be able to get the sleep you need to recuperate from the activities you will be engaged in throughout the day just to survive.

A radio and flashlights that can be recharged by hand are things that everyone should have. There will be news about whatever is going on and you need to know. Battery operated ones are not as dependable as batteries will be in short supply. There are some hand crank battery chargers, but stay with the radios and flashlights that charge by pumping the handle.

Creating a fire pit will be easier with a shovel and you will also need this for other functions. Make sure to bring plenty of toilet paper and paper of other forms. Cooking will consist of trial and error tactics that may include creating a stove from a couple of cans, setting on top of each other.

This all important bag could consist of a large back pack, a few ruck sacks or even larger containers. They should be easy to carry and comfortable for all who wear them. Make sure to spread the weight among all members. A good way for every one to carry their own weight is to ensure each person carries their own food and water. This will help teach the responsibilities that are going to be needed, now.