A Get-Out-of-Dodge (GOOD) bag is a necessity. I have talked about this before, but wanted to expand your knowledge a little given the demonstrations that have been going on since the summer of 2020 and that are becoming more and more violent. There are three types of hazards, which include anthropogenic (manmade), natural, and technological. Any of these could happen at any time thus, you need to be prepared. For example, of late we have been experiencing solar flares. A huge flare could create an EMP that potentially would render your automobile’s electronics, phone, and other electronic devices inoperable.
You’re heading home, darkness has fallen and your car conks out 20 miles away. You don’t see a light anywhere. Your phone no longer works. Everything is down for at least a 100-mile radius. You need to hoof it home as quickly as you can; you family’s safety depends on it. To make matters worse, it is mid-January, and a snowstorm has just begun moving across the area. Fearing for your family’s safety, you walk across farm fields and pastures, half walking, half jogging. About 15 miles from home, the storm stops you in your tracks. But you have your trusty GOOD bag and pull out your tarp, setting up a shelter in 40 mph winds for the night. Hoping the storm will lessen by daybreak.
Perhaps you’re in a large city and huge riots break out. Thugs begin moving from house-to-house looting and killing. They are four blocks away. You need to decide. All the streets are blocked by rioters, the only way out is on foot. An emergency bag will come in handy.
The fact is there are many reasons you need a GOOD bag. However, beware of those who say you do not. It just makes common sense. I can survive with a knife and blanket, most people cannot. So, a well-prepared GOOD bag and the knowledge to use its contents can save your life. Remember that when infrastructure completely fails, no on is coming to save you. Survival will be all up to you. Choose to live and prepare for every emergency you can think of. Practice and help your family learn the essentials. And don’t listen to those who say you can stay in your home forever. You cannot! So, what am I talking about?
A “Get Out of Dodge” (GOOD) bag, often referred to as a “bug-out bag,” or other names as the title of this article reads, is a pre-packed emergency survival kit designed to help you, along with friends and family quickly evacuate a dangerous/emergency situation. While the name may suggest fleeing a city (hence “Dodge”), it can be useful in various scenarios as mentioned previously, including natural disasters, civil unrest, or any situation where you need to leave your current location quickly. Following are some reasons why a GOOD bag is important:
1. Emergency Preparedness: A GOOD bag is a vital component of emergency preparedness. It contains essential items you may need to survive for a few days when you are unable to access your home or usual resources. Remember that the federal government does not have the capability or capacity to respond to a major disaster quickly enough to save everyone. You need to plan your own survival.
2. Quick Evacuation: In situations like wildfires, hurricanes, or flooding, you may have very little time to gather necessary supplies. Having a pre-packed GOOD bag can save precious minutes, which could mean the difference between safety and danger. Keep your eye on the news and weather; keep a GOOD bag in every vehicle you own. And for those you have at home, keep them where they are always readily available.
3. Versatility: GOOD bags can be customized to suit your specific needs and the type of emergencies you’re most likely to encounter. For some people, this is hurricanes and flooding; others face earthquakes or tornadoes; for others, especially in large, poorly managed cities, it is likely going to be large-scale violent riots. You should include items like food, water, clothing, first aid supplies, and important documents.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a GOOD bag ready can provide peace of mind. Keep one wherever you go. You’ll feel more in control during stressful situations. This can help you make better decisions.
5. Self-Reliance: A GOOD bag promotes self-reliance. You have the resources you need to survive for a short to long period (depending on your survival skills) without relying on external assistance, which you cannot count on. Most people are ill-prepared for emergencies. Do not be one of them!
6. Redundancy: A GOOD bag can serve as a redundancy for the supplies you have at home. If your home is compromised, having a separate set of essential items can be a lifesaver.
7. Mobility: These bags are designed to be portable, making it easier to carry the essentials on foot or in a vehicle. I will repeat the weight over and over. Keep the bag to 25 pounds or less. You need to stay agile.
8. Customization: You can tailor your GOOD bag to your personal needs, location, and situation. For instance, people in areas prone to earthquakes might include items like a pry bar for opening doors, while those in cold climates may need extra coats or blankets. You know what your situation is, plan accordingly.
9. Family Safety: Preparing GOOD bags for each family member ensures that everyone has the necessary supplies if you are separated during an emergency. Remember younger children will not be able to carry a heavy load, hence the weight recommendation. If a child is ten years old, do not use a 25 lb bag. They will not be able to carry it well without struggling. A good rule of thumb if the person is not an adult is a weight limit of 15 to 20% of the person’s weight. For example, your son is 11 years old; the average weight for this age is about 80 pounds. This means the bag weight should be 12 to 16 pounds maximum. Plan on 15 pounds and you will be safe. If you are carrying ammunition for a firearm and the firearm to go with it, this weight is not included in the recommended weight. When carrying a weapon for protection, don’t overload on ammunition. The idea is to avoid people, not act like a special forces group. Thus, three magazines, perhaps four (fully loaded), for each weapon is sufficient.
10. Extended Disasters: In instances where regular services may not be restored for an extended period (e.g., widespread power outages or disruptions to major supply chains – food especially), a GOOD bag can sustain you and your family until normalcy returns.
Remember to periodically check and update the contents of your GOOD bag to ensure that everything remains in working condition and that you have the appropriate items for the season and your geographical location. Additionally, it’s essential to have a plan in place for where you will go (an exit strategy) and how you will communicate with loved ones in the event you need to use your GOOD bag. I keep two bags, one in the vehicle and one at home. Again, the recommended weight is 25 pounds or less. If you are big and strong you can push the weight to 35 to 40 pounds, no more. Think of it as a survival bag. I talk about all the kits needed for this bag in my survival book. Click on the link (picture) below to learn more.
Finally, today we ride the razors edge of massive infrastructure failures and societal collapse. You need survival skills to protect you and your loved ones. Pursue them at all costs. Have a safe day.