I was working 3 to 11 one time during a big storm. I don’t usually work this shift but happened to be on it. I was returning home. We live out in the country and we have a few low water crossings between our house and the highway. I got through one low water crossing but didn't feel I should continue through the next. So I was stuck. I waited about an hour until I felt I could get through that crossing and home. While I was sitting there I thought of many things I would have liked to have at that moment.
My EDC (everyday carry) is only a few things, but includes a flashlight that I was grateful for. That was when I started to think about a GHB (get home bag). I've always kept 2 things in every glove compartment of every car we had. A cheap $2 knife, and a lighter. I've also always had older cars so I carry tools. Also, I've always carried a first aid kit.
But my GHB is for many scenarios I could think of where I would want to get home. Here's what I put together:
Water- 3 gls (separate from bag)
Emergency poncho
Emergency blanket
Nylon spork
Can opener
1 Roll of TP
Compass
Whistle
Pepper spray
Feminine supplies
Level 1 first aid kit
Water straw filter
Flashlight
Knife
Multi-tool
550 paracord
Light stick
Firestarting kit: Matches, striker and sparker, Fire starter Fishing kit: Bobs, line, bait, hooks
Leather gloves
N95 Dust mask
Shower cap
Chapstick
Hand lotion
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Liquid soap
Pack of baby wipes (change often-goes dry) Washcloth Camelbak bladder Map Sun block
2 sets of hand warmers
1 Trash bag
Tube tent
"Yard light" recharger
Food:
Can of tuna
Tuna pouch
MRE crackers
1 pac Jerky
2 cans Vienna sausage
2 MRE Entrees
2 Spam pacs
2 Mylar rice meals
2 Gatorade powder pacs
I need to update the food list. I've changed some items with freeze dried
Make sure food is in separate zip-locs
I carry a blanket of some kind too. Preferably a wool blanket. If I lived where it got real cold I would plan accordingly with carrying maybe wool socks, heavier gloves, a set of thermals, an alcohol heater in a can. It's all in a cheap pack if I have to walk out. I do keep the pack in a Tupperware type tote to keep it out of direct sun. That way it may make it look less like a backpack and maybe be less desirable to break in and steal.
The map has a couple of ways home from where l work that are away from regular roads or side dirt roads. For me I'm paranoid that something will go down and they won't let me leave work. So I've formulated different ways to get out of there.
I recommend lots of water. Of course we get pretty hot here.
Between this list and others come up with your own. Some things you would need to add for kids.
I'd like to shave off some items in mine because I don't like a lot if I can help it.
I also carry a gun everywhere, every day. I keep an extra box of ammo in my vehicles console. Make sure about laws and do things legal.
Also, make sure you go through your bags once or twice a year. Change out old food, switch water, and check stuff in first aid kits. It's good to check to make sure nothing has broken open and messed up other things. I was thinking that some bug repellent would be a good idea. Or a mosquito head net.
You don't have to spend a lot of money. At first you see my food was not expensive. Check food dates when you buy it and you will see there is a lot in Mylar.
The multi-tool is just a $10 one and the flashlight is not an expensive one either. The bag was a $4 one on sale around the beginning of school. If you feel you need to slowly upgrade because this stuff may save your life one day than do so one item at a time slowly. Look for sales and dollar store deals.
This bag is kind of an all in one bag. It’s just a good idea to have something like this with you. I’ve known some who kept their 72 hour kit in their vehicles. I don’t feel the need in my situation but I don’t want to be caught with nothing. I also keep hand sanitizer, bottled water, and a N95 mask at work.
Pre-positioning as much as I can gives me more options.
Being prepared takes fore thought and some sense. Also know that you can go crazy trying to prepare for everything all the time. Prepare for what you can but train for all that you can. For instance, I’ve taken courses in many different medical procedures. I’m not a medical professional or am I a first responder, but I’d like to be qualified like one. You never know when a little knowledge or experience will come in handy.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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