The Ultimate Bug-Out Bag List: Emergency Essentials for When Disaster Strikes

When disaster strikes, will you be ready? Experts in disaster relief and fire prevention and management recommend having a bug-out bag ready to grab at a moment’s notice. So, what is a bug-out bag? A bug-out bag, also known as a BOB bag, grab bag, go bag, survival kit, PERK (personal emergency relocation kit), 72-hour bag, and GOOD (get out of Dodge) bag, is an emergency kit designed to hold all the essentials you and your family will need if you have to “bug out” quickly because of a wildfire, natural disaster, or other unexpected event. Keep reading to learn what to put in a bug-out bag to make sure you’re prepared to survive on your own for a few days.

Continue reading to learn more about the ultimate bug-out bag, written by Deirdre Mundorf.

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Deirdre Mundorf

About
Deirdre Mundorf is a former teacher turned writer who most enjoys working on topics related to homes, family, and pets. She has been contributing to BobVila.com since 2020.

Experience
Deirdre spent the first 11 years of her professional career as an elementary school teacher to second- and third-grade students. After giving birth to her first child, Deirdre decided to leave the teaching profession to dedicate more time to raising her daughter. However, it wasn't long before she found that she needed something extra to keep her busy and to help contribute to the family income, so she rekindled her passion for writing and became a freelance writer.

Education
Deirdre graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Highlights
Specialties and interests: Home, family, and pets
Education: Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Maryland
Other work: Discover Magazine
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Best DIY Advice
“Be thoughtful about which DIY projects you undertake. Choose those that more closely align with your skills and passion. Know what you’re capable of, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from a professional.”

Medya Mansyone

I’m also a fan of the venerable Sawyer Squeeze. Just collect water and drink!

Trey French
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Medya Mansyone

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion lasts a long time, stores well in survival kits and cars, and doesn’t have the laundry-list poison control label like DEET sprays.

Sean Gold
Founder & Lead Writer

Medya Mansyone

I’m not a fan of bugs, so Sawyer Picaridin spray is always in my pack.

Isis Briones
Writer and Editor