Learning + Tutorials

One of the most important reasons to have an Emergency Survival Kit / Bug Out Bag is to prepare for home fires. Why? Because in only a matter of minutes a small flame can turn into a raging house fire, and you and your family may only have seconds to escape.

You wouldn't have time to grab anything that wasn't already prepared near an exit.

Home fires, more than any other thing we prepare for (other than a tornado) strike the fastest and pose the most significant threat us.

The key to prepping an effective emergency Bug Out Bag or any other survival kit is being able to quickly find and take stock of the items within it.

Resist the urge to dump everything in there willy-nilly. You should be able to find each item quickly and efficiently (even in the dark) without spilling the whole thing open or rummaging endlessly.

Items should be grouped together by function into kits: a fire making kit, a sleep kit, cooking kit, etc.

Basic 72-Hour Bug Out Bag List

Duration: 72-Hours to 1-Week

Use:

Short-Notice Evacuation Due To: Flooding, Fire, Hurricane, Tsunami, Earthquake, Nuclear Incidents

Must Have Gear:

Clothing, Water, Medications, Toiletries, Food, Blankets, Pillows, Lighting, Document Backups

Updated on: October 16, 2025