Emergency GO BAG
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Emergency GO BAG. |
Prepare for Hurricane Dorian or any other natural disaster! |
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The GO BAG (or bugout bag), once thought of as a security blanket for the
conspiracy theorist, has gained the status of a legit safety item that you need in
your home.
In fact, government and city officials recommend having a GO BAG ready at all
times.
The idea behind the go bag is simple. If an emergency happens, you grab your
GO BAG and... go. It contains items that help you survive until you can return
home. Here's everything you need to know.
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Why you need a GO BAG |
Think you needn't bother? Hurricane preparedness isn't the only reason you need
a GO BAG. You may need to flee your home to find new shelter at a moment's
notice because of:
- Earthquakes
- Tornadoes or hurricanes
- Flash floods
- Wildfires
- Mudslides
- Ice storms
- Zombie apocalypse (just kidding…)
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What kind of GO BAG is best? |
The city of Chicago, no stranger to strong winds, recommends that each member of your household have their own GO
BAG. If you're the parent of small children, however, you can use one big GO BAG to hold everything you and your
children need.
Remember, the best kind of bag is the kind you can carry. Don't get a huge duffle bag unless you're very strong
and can heft it. Also, you want a bag that will fit easily in your car. You don't want one that's so big you'll
have to leave one of the kids behind to take it with you.
A hiking backpack with various pockets is your best bet. Make sure it's made from a strong canvas material and
has a strap that secures around your chest. This will take some of the strain off your back if you need to walk a
long way.
Also, look for a pack that has a water reservoir you can fill with drinking water. These are often called
camelbacks.
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Water is important, but make it, don't carry it |
Though many experts recommend having a three-day supply of water in your home in case of an emergency, running
with that amount of water can be impractical, especially if you don't have a car. The alternative is keeping a
device in your go bag that can turn water from ditches, streams, ponds and other water sources into clean drinking
water.
Be warned, though. Many emergency filtration devices like these need to be prepped with drinking water before
they can be used as a filter for yucky water. Be sure to read the directions and prep your bottle before clipping
it to your go bag.
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Get GOOD LIGHTING that lasts |
In an emergency, batteries may be in short supply, especially in a hurricane. That's why it's a good idea to put
a lighting system in your GO BAG that can be powered by a renewable resource.
Here is what we recommend:
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FENIX LD15R - 500 lumens Rechargeable Right-Angle Flashlight
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Fenix LD15R IN STOCK. SHIPS IMMEDIATELY |
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Fenix LD15R is a compact and handy right-angle flashlight with dual light sources: white and red lights. Powered by one 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery, it is also compatible with a cold-resistant CR123A battery. This compact right-angle flashlight delivers a max output of 500 lumens and a max bea... Click here for more info about this product >>>
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FENIX PD35TAC - 1000 lumens Tactical Edition Flashlight
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Fenix PD35TAC IN STOCK. SHIPS IMMEDIATELY |
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The Fenix PD35TAC (Tactical Edition) LED Flashlight, remains in it's pocket-size form but surpasses the traditional PD35 in performance and tactical employment. Designed with the military and law enforcement professionals in mind, this flashlight is measured at less than 14cm (5.5 inches) long and f... Click here for more info about this product >>>
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FENIX HM65R - 1400 lumens Dual Light Rechargeable Headlamp
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Fenix HM65R IN STOCK. SHIPS IMMEDIATELY |
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The Fenix HM65R Rechargeable headlamp is designed to endure all the elements. This new Fenix headlamp is constructed from ultra lightweight magnesium material. With two Cree LED's, the HM65R can reach 1400 Lumens by activating its dual spotlight and floodlight mode. The primary power option is a sin... Click here for more info about this product >>>
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FENIX HM50R - 500 lumens Multipurpose Rechargeable Headlamp
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Fenix HM50R IN STOCK. SHIPS IMMEDIATELY |
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HM50R is a rechargeable headlamp, built tough to withstand cold temperatures. It is fitted with a white light LED featuring 4 output levels. The side switch in the lamp head controls all functions and is easily operated for various lighting demands. The lamp emits a max output of 500 lumens with a m... Click here for more info about this product >>>
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FENIX LD12 - 320 lumens AA Battery Pocket EDC Flashlight
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Fenix LD12 IN STOCK. SHIPS IMMEDIATELY |
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The redesigned Fenix LD12 is now compatible with 14500 rechargeable Li-ion batteries. It's fitted with a CREE XP-G2 R5 neutral white LED for better color rendering, and delivers maximum 320 lumens. With four brightness levels plus strobe mode, and convenient dual switch, the LD12 is definitely the m... Click here for more info about this product >>>
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Other essentials |
Water and light should be at the top of your list, but there are plenty of other things you should toss in your
bag:
- Nonperishable food. Meals ready to eat (MREs) are a popular choice, but freeze-dried items work, too.
Just be sure they're light, provide a lot of calories and protein, and have a shelf life of months, if not
years.
- A good multi-tool that includes a knife, pliers, a can opener and other tools.
- Paracord, also called 550 cord, can hold up to 550 pounds and is compact, so choose it instead of
regular rope.
- Carabiners: These metal loops with a spring-loaded latch have a million and one uses, like latching
gear to the outside of your go bag.
- A whistle to signal others if you need help and can't yell.
- A poncho and a change of clothes.
- Your family's prescription medications for a week and copies of your prescriptions. You'll probably
want to toss these in the go bag as you leave, since keeping extras in your bag will be impractical for most
people.
- A small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain killers and gauze.
- Personal care items such as soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products
and so on. Put these items in waterproof baggies.
- Your extra house and car keys.
- A warm blanket. Put it in a plastic bag, use the hose on your vacuum to suck the air out of the bag
and quickly seal it to save room.
- A recent family photo for identification purposes, also in a plastic bag, to keep it safe from
moisture.
- Cash in small denominations and coins.
- A regional map so you can find your way without a phone when cell towers and GPS are down or busy, or
you've run out of battery.
- Paper, pens and tape to leave messages for others.
- A dust mask.
- Copies of important documents such as insurance information, IDs, proof of address and passports, all
in a waterproof plastic bag.
- Your family photos and document copies on a USB drive. This one is optional, but I like the security
of knowing I have some of my family's precious memories with me.
- Pet supplies such as a leash, collapsible water bowl and food.
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