Looking to put together a get home bag? Check out this get home bag list!
If you’re someone that preps for emergencies, then you probably already have a decent stockpile of all the essentials. These essentials are items that you have tucked away somewhere in your home. But how likely is it that you and your family will actually be home when an emergency occurs?
Probably not that good. There’s a good chance that your kids will still be in school while you and your spouse are away at work or out running errands. This is why it’s absolutely necessary for you to take the next step by gathering up multiple get-home bags. Also, while stowing one away in each of your vehicles. This get home bag list will help you more than you ever thought possible!
What is a get home bag list?
You’ve probably heard about a bug-out bag before or you may have already put your own together. A get-home bag (GHB) may seem very similar to a bug-out bag (BOB). But one is meant to get you to your bug-out location safely while a GHB is for getting you home safe and sound. Keep reading to find out what you should keep in your get-home bag.
1. Sturdy Backpack
When you need to travel a decent distance quickly on foot, you’ll want to have a small to medium-sized backpack to carry all of your emergency essentials. This is an essential on the get home bag list!
2. Laptop Bag
If you rely heavily on electronic equipment, whether it’s a laptop or some other type of electronic device, you’ll want to carry a laptop bag. The larger the better. That way you’re able to carry other emergency equipment besides your computer.
3. Water filter
It could take you several hours or maybe even up to a day to reach home depending on how far you commute each day. Within a few hours, dehydration will start to kick in. Besides having several water bottles filled up for your drinking purposes, I suggest getting yourself a water filter that can be used to filter out bacteria and other debris while you drink from any water source. My personal favorite that I would recommend is LifeStraw.
How to Store Water for Emergencies
4. Protein Snacks
Over the next few hours following a disaster, you may be required to exert a lot of strength and energy in the process of getting home. That’s why you should stock up on snacks like protein bars, beef jerky sticks, and mixed nuts. But I guess it also wouldn’t hurt if you threw in some of your favorite munchies as well. A 3-day supply would be best. Just be sure to use them up before their expiration date and replenish them as needed.
5. First Aid Kit
Minor accidents and sometimes even life-threatening situations are very common following an emergency, so you’ll need to be prepared. Make sure that your get-home bag has a decent first-aid kit that contains bandages, gauze, antibacterial ointment, ibuprofen, and so forth.
6. Compact Flashlight
Should your adventure home last well into the evening, you’ll need a compact flashlight to assist you so that you aren’t relying on your phone’s light while draining the battery. After all, you’ll want your phone to still be able to reach someone (if it’s still working), and for GPS. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries.
7. Power Bank
Keep your phone and other electronics charged by having a power bank tucked away in your GHB.
8. Multi-tool w/Pocket Knife
You won’t have a whole lot of space to carry a bunch of tools in your GHB so a multi-tool that already comes with a pocket knife would be a most definite versatile item to have.
9. Hand Crank Radio
When you need to know what’s going on around you, you’ll want to have a hand-crank radio with you. That way you stay alert for any other dangers or major concerns that you’ll need to know.
6 Fool Proof Natural Disaster Preparation
10. Waterproof Matches or Lighter
In the event that you’re forced to spend any amount of time outdoors, a box of waterproof matches or a lighter can prove to be extremely useful when trying to start a fire.
11. Basic Toiletries
While basic hygiene doesn’t necessarily seem to be a top priority following an emergency, it is still something that should at least be acknowledged. Pack items like body wipes, a toothbrush and some toothpaste, and toilet paper in your GHB.
You should also consider feminine hygiene products.
12. Paracord/Rope
Having a few feet of paracord on hand can be quite useful for constructing makeshift shelters or even helping you climb an obstacle that’s blocking your way home.
13. Whistle
If you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with no one to help, a whistle can be used to alert people of your whereabouts and hopefully get help.
14. Duct Tape
Duct tape is one of the most versatile items on this list. It can be used to temporarily repair something that’s broken and can even be used to build a shelter if you decide to rest for the night. Book Review: Duct Tape 911
15. Tarp
A tarp can be used for all sorts of things during an emergency. You can collect rainwater for drinking, create a makeshift shelter with it, or use it to help carry heavy items. 10 Emergency Items to Keep in Your Car
16. Rain Poncho
A rain poncho will help you stay dry and warm during your journey home. Not to mention, keep you from getting sick as well.
17. Emergency Blanket
Hopefully, you wouldn’t have to stop for the night, but if you did, you’d need an emergency blanket to keep you warm and comfortable. How to Store Blankets for Emergencies
18. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are not only for use when you have to go #2, but they can keep your body clean during a SHTF situation, especially if it takes you a day or two to get home.
19. Map of the Area
You may already have an escape route planned out but what if things don’t work out that way and you need to take another path? Consider getting yourself a local map of the area and storing it in a small Ziploc bag. Be sure to mark things on your map like gas stations, vending machines, and ATM machines.
20. Respirator Mask
Whether you’re fleeing tear gas or trying to escape smoke from a wildfire, an N95 respirator mask should suffice. But if you’re wanting to spend more on something even better, an N99 would be the way to go.
21. Heavy Duty Gloves
Gloves can protect your hands from injury while turning a rusty faucet, jumping a french, climbing a tree, or carrying a particularly heavy load.
22. Cash
There’s a good possibility that your credit cards won’t come to your rescue when it matters the most. But if you have cash on hand, you’d be able to purchase other crucial supplies, or possibly even pay someone to give you a ride home.
23. Mosquito Spray
Mosquito bites can be very annoying and even dangerous in some cases. Make sure you have mosquito spray in your GHB to keep those blood-suckers away from taking a bite out of you when you’re already agitated enough.
24. Pepper Spray
People can get pretty crazy, especially when all chaos breaks out following a disaster. Keep yourself protected from anyone that tries to attack or take advantage of you.
Why You Need Get Home Bag Supplies
These items should all be packed inside your GHB as they are essential items that can ensure you make it safely back home in the event of an emergency. So don’t wait until you find yourself in a bad situation before you start packing your GHB. Better to say “I’m glad I did,” instead of “I wished I had…”
What would you add to you get home bag list?
