BOB

BOB? Is that a name? Does it have a meaning? To those that subscribe to the idea that it is better to be prepared than not prepared BOB has a very specific meaning but can have a different meaning for each person.

BOB simply means Bug Out Bag. A bug out bag aka "bob" is a container that contains all of the essential items a person (or family) would need to have readily available in the event of an emergency. It would contain the obvious things, such as food and water for those who have a bob. However there are many other not so obvious things that should be included. I know each person will have their own special needs and this is not a primer on how to make your own bob, but to plant a seed so you learn what you need for yourself and put one together.

So when I mention an emergency what do I mean? That varies depending on where you live. Live where I do in California and the biggest concerns are earthquake, floods and fire. If you live in New Orleans or Houston hmmm maybe the concern is hurricanes? The point is an emergency that shuts down the normal public services can happen anywhere and at any time.

When you get the warning that a hurricane is headed your way and should hit in about 4 hours, guess what, it is too late to make your bob. The time to put bob together is on the beautiful day when you are sitting on the porch reading the paper. That is when you make notes and lists and begin putting things together.

Bob should contain the food and water, enough for each person in your party. Figure 1200 calories per person per day. Also plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day. This as I said is not a primer. To find much more information from others much more knowledgeable than me, I would suggest starting at www.equipped.com. The owner of this site is an expert on all things survival.

Notice I have not mentioned civil uprising, race wars, terrorism or the end of the world. Many people connect survival with survivalist. They may have some cross over ideas but they are different things. I will openly admit that the state of our country, and of the world has me very nervous and I think that previously unthinkable situations are becoming not only possible but inevitable. But since this is about bob I don't want to confuse the two. Could bob be used for both things, natural and manmade disasters, Yes but they may contain at least a few different items.

I will be writing more about survival, give some websites, and maybe even share a bit of survival that I have a personal knowledge of. Until then stay safe.