9 Bug-Out Bag Essentials to Prepare You for Any Emergency

This one’s a given for bug-out bags, but a reminder never hurts. You can never be too safe, so make sure to have at least one gallon per person per day in your emergency preparedness kit. Bottles expire after about a year, so instead, fill your own large jugs ahead of any storm. This 64-ounce bottle (To buy: Hydro Flask 64 oz Wide Mouth bottle, $60; hydroflask.com) is a reusable option that can be used for sporting events and other outings. The vacuum insulation will help keep your water cool, too, even if temperatures rise.

You’d expect to see food in any emergency kit, but not all food is created equal when you’re weathering a storm or disaster. Stock food that doesn’t require the use of electricity to safely prepare (peanut butter, granola bars, and dried fruit), and stock up on enough to feed your family for at least a few days. It’s also a good idea to have a camping stove and matches (stored in a waterproof container) available in case you want to heat food.

Flashlights are essential, primarily for ensuring your family's safety when the power goes out. They’re especially useful if you have little ones—the dark can make an already scary time even more difficult. At least one flashlight is helpful in case you need to venture out for any reason, but a battery-powered lantern or a headlamp make great alternatives.

An emergency first-aid kit is a must-have for actual emergencies and everyday incidents alike. Ideally, you’ll stock two: One to keep in the kitchen for falls and bumps and another to keep in the bug-out bag for emergencies only.

You’ve probably got your credit cards in your back pocket, but don’t forget to stash cash in your emergency preparedness kit—it may be a while before you’re able to stop by an ATM.

The last thing you’d want to lose in a storm is anything that can’t be replaced. Before the disaster strikes, grab birth certificates, wills, social security cards, passports, and other legal papers that aren’t easily replaced.

Toss batteries and a portable charger in your bug-out bag. The batteries will keep radios and flashlights or lanterns running; if you’re able to get cell phone service, a portable charger could make it easier to let your family know that you’re safe and sound.

Having a portable or handheld video game is a great way to keep the kids’ minds off the situation, but those batteries won’t last forever. Throw some coloring books, books, or games into your emergency kit to keep everyone’s minds occupied.

Normal AM/FM radios may not be able to pick up on frequencies sent by the National Weather Service during a hurricane or major storm, but this one can. Stashing one in the bug-out bag can help you stay updated on weather shifts, evacuation orders, and more when other methods of communication are out of commission.