Creating Bug Out Bags for Kids

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Creating bug out bags for kidsI grew up in a first responder family. Not only did my dad work for a large local fire department and the state HazMat team but I had several relatives that were police and fire. I can think back to the world trade center bombing, the anthrax scares and of course 9/11, that all occurred in my childhood. 

As an adult, I became a first responder myself. I worked through Swine Flu, the Marathon bombing, Ebola, and now COVID, and apparently Monkey Pox. Then there was all the riots that had occurred throughout 2020 and now a war in Ukraine. Although the latter did not effect me directly, it really gets one thinking. I am prepared for a lot, but are my kids? What if something happened and we had to LEAVE our house on a moments notice. 

I am prepared for a plethora of emergencies. But even as prepared as I am, I realized I had to update some things. Now that I have kids, and they are past babyhood, it’s time to re-evaluate what they need in the event of an emergency. Every member in the house (even your pets) should have their own bug out bag!

The Bag Itself

The bag needs to be something your child can actually carry. Kids (and dogs) should only be carrying about 10-15% of their body weight. If you have a smaller kid, know that they will only be able to carry the bare minimum – survival essentials, but as they get bigger you can get a larger bag or fill a bag more. You’ll also have to think what you have to carry for them if they can’t carry it yet. However, keep in mind that they need to carry the most essentials they can, in the event that something happens to you, or you get separated – if you have their water and ID, that doesn’t help them.

The Survival Essentials

Water

Water is the most essential item here. Every family member should have their own water bottle, that they keep in their own pack. 

Rations

Non perishable food is pretty much as important as water. This is a little harder for kids, you want to make sure that you are packing food they will actually eat and that the food is going to provide enough nutritional value to keep their energy up. 

Identification and Medical Information

This is mostly in the event they are separated from family. Copies of any ID they might have (birth certificate, passport, etc.). If they have any medical problems, medications, allergies, or surgeries, these should all be listed out. This is still important to have even if your child is well versed in their medical history. They may forget, or worse, they may be unable to tell a rescuer. Also think about including some likes/interests for others who might need to create a rapport in the event of separation from your child.

Required Medications

It is very difficult to have a back up “stash” of medications but if it’s possible to keep a few days worth of any medications they take daily, do it. Remember to rotate out the medications so they do not expire. 

Money 

Not a lot is needed, but pocket change. This would be meant more in the event you get separated, they would be able to get some water, food, or make a phone call (are pay phones even a thing anymore?).

Contact information

Super important in the event something happens to you or you get separated. Make sure there is information on how to reach parents as well as a couple other emergency contacts. A home address could be helpful but also add the location you might be “bugging out” to. Since you likely aren’t returning home in the near future. This information along with medical information can all be printed on to a small card that can be laminated and placed in a visible pocket of their bag.

The Should Haves

Set of Clothes

Having at least one change of clothes is necessary, especially a few extra sets of underwear and socks. Remember to change out seasonally. 

Flash Light

Flashlights are always a good thing. Keep it simple and small, but you don’t know the conditions you are heading to, and your child might even need to use it as a night light or to help find a place to potty when it’s dark. 

Toys/Busy Bags (Based on Age)

Kids are going to be kids, they need something to help them pass the time. Small toys, puzzles, coloring books, books, anything that fits their age and interests.

Diapers/Pull-ups and Wipes (if needed)

This is super important for those still in diapers or pull-ups. You want the pack to still be light for your child, but they will need these if they aren’t potty trained yet. I highly suggest, even for non cloth diaper people, to consider having a few reusable pull ups or cloth diapers (specifically covers and flats because they will be easier to clean/dry). You don’t know when you might be able to get disposables again!

Blanket

Keep it small and packable, but something to keep a little one warm and comforted.

Whistle

This can serve a couple of purposes and you can get one that clips to the bag. This can be used to get attention or to scare things off.

Hair Brush and Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Really this would be basic toiletries. You want to be able to stay clean and healthy where ever you have to end up.

Masks

Even though the COVID pandemic is becoming endemic (maybe?), there will always be other airborne concerns. Having an N95 or KN95 will help in situations where the air may have too much debris (think like drywalling – when you sand plaster, you wear a mask so you don’t breath in the dust) or there are airborne pathogens (think of any virus, COVID, TB, Monkey Pox, or a novel pathogen). 

Poncho

Rain ponchos are helpful, compact and will keep you or your child dry in the event of wet conditions.

The Nice to Haves

Mini First Aid Kit

Having a few things in their bag to clean up and bandage some small injuries is helpful, just in case. As they get bigger you can add more supplies to this. 

Water Filter

Depending on what happens, there is the possibility you won’t have access to clean water. Something like a life straw or other water filtration will be needed once they go through their water bottle.

Sleeping Supplies (Older Kids)

Once kids can carry a bit more weight you can add some more comfortable sleeping supplies like a pillow, sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc… (Think supplies for when you might go backpacking – small and light weight).

Tools (Older Kids)

Older kids will be able to use some tools safely, a pocket knife or multitool is helpful. 

Things to add to your own bag when you have kids

Photographs

You should have recent photos of your children, as well as pictures and notes on any distinguishing features. This is super important if you get separated from a child and need to find them! Especially if there is any issues with technology or you or some else needs to ID your child that is not easily recognizable.

IDs, Medical Information

This is helpful in the event that they are unable to provide the information themselves, they lose their own pack, or you need to prove relation to them! Think about having copies of passports, birth certificates, prescriptions, and any other medical information about your child. 

For kids, keep it simple and practical. Let them help (if they are old enough) to put it together and let them use it from time to time so they are comfortable with it. Also, don’t just set it and forget it. Make sure you update from time to time. Documents need to be updated, make sure nothing is expired. Swap out things like clothes as they grow and toys as their interests change. You also want to make sure that nothing is missing. 

Remember that although this sounds like it is only if the zombie apocalypse is coming, these bug out bags are for ANY emergency you need to leave quickly. Think if there is a fire, hurricane, or other major natural or man made disaster that will force you to leave your home. 

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