Bug-IN….in a Hurry!

Bug-IN….in a Hurry!

The attacks literally shut down Brussels.  Stores closed, buses and trains stopped running and people were asked/ordered to stay put until the dust settled and authorities had a chance to assess the situation.  While this was a good decision from a safety standpoint, limited unnecessary movement and allowed emergency responders unfettered access to the location of the incidents, it also made life difficult for people who ended up getting stuck where they were.

This incident calls attention to something that does not get talked about enough:  You need a bug-in bag that contains essential items that you may need for 12-48 hours following a disaster.  Keep in mind that there are many events that can lead to a shelter in place order besides terrorist attacks.  Extreme weather, hazardous material spills or fires and containment of highly-contagious diseases are just a few examples.

What would you do if you were stuck in your office, at school or in a vehicle for an unexpected and prolonged amount of time?

Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 9.12.57 AM

Practical Considerations

We’ve talked about bug in bags before, but now is a good time to take some time and look at this with a fresh pair of eyes.  These differ from bug out bags because they are intended to contain items that will meet your basic needs while you are stuck in a safe and secure area.  Bug out bags are designed to provide you with resources to get you through the first 24-48 hours after a crisis that has forced you to flee the area.

Consequently, you should think a little bit differently in terms of the items that will be most practical and useful in this type of situation.

Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 9.12.57 AM

Consider the Location

Think about what is available in your location.  Does your office or school have a cafeteria that is open?  Can you get some food that will last you through the next day or so?  Is there a shop where you can quickly get some supplies?  Do you have some extra clothes?  Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens supplies or medication?  What about an extra battery pack for your phone or tablet?  A flashlight, utility knife, maybe a small towel and some small bottles of soap, shampoo or deodorant may be useful.  Think about a razor if you’re a guy, and ladies, make sure that you’re stocked up on things that are unique to your hygiene needs as well.

You should also consider stocking up on some things like energy bars or other condensed forms of nutrition.  These make good items that can tide you over until you are able to get out and find food.

Another important thing to think about is who you will be bugging in with.  Maybe you are with a few coworkers or fellow students.  Perhaps you’re stuck on a train with a number of commuters.  No matter where you are, chances are that you will not be alone.  This can be a good as well as a bad thing.

On one hand, if you’re with a good group of people who you know, maybe you can band together and share resources.  On the other hand, maybe you’re with a mob of strangers, and whipping out an energy bar or drink may cause others to become jealous and tempted to raid any snacks or drinks that you may have.

Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 9.12.57 AM

Filling in the Gaps

In any case, give some thought to what you will need for the intervening time between an emergency and the all-clear to be given.  Then you can start to think about what items you can pack in your bag.  In most cases, all a bug in bag is under these types of circumstances is little more than something you’d bring to a sleepover or overnight trip with a few modifications.

The important thing is that you create one so that you are prepared for the unexpected.  When the bombs went off in Brussels, nobody saw it coming.  When the lockdown occurred in and around Boston during the manhunt for the marathon bomber, people didn’t expect to be stuck where they were either.

Take a few minutes to gather essential items and see how much room you have left.  Then you can consider adding “extras” that will make the wait a little easier to endure.  Keep the bag with you at your workplace or school locker, and make sure that you always carry a little something as you commute or head out on the town for whatever reason.

You never know when you will end up facing a situation where these items will become very useful, and the last thing that you want is to be stuck somewhere with nothing at your disposal.

v1pro_01

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Jason P just claimed a Free FireStriker
Paul just bought a V1-Pro Tactical Flashlight
Jenny just claimed a Free FireStriker
Ken just claimed a Free FireStriker
Sally just claimed a Free FireStriker
Paul just claimed a Free FireStriker
Chris just bought an Ultimate Bug Out Bag
Mike just bought a V1-Pro Tactical Flashlight