Bugging Out...I mean bugging back in.

I have been watching the news. It seems like every day there is a tragedy some place. Shootings in schools and malls, fires, earthquakes and any number of other problems. The thing I have come to realise that most of the time if something bad happens we will not be at home with our supplies. So I have been keeping a bug back in kit with me.

This kit if for the sole purpose of making it back home from work. I work 11 miles from my home. It will be a long walk .  I know many people drive to work and think they will be able to drive home. This may not be true for you in the event of an emergency. I take the bus. If there is no bus or train I'm on my own to get home.

So you need to think of how you will get back home if you have to walk.

I have a small back pack that I use to carry my lunch and a few other things in. It is a normal appearing day pack that is well constructed. In side I have a few things to be sure I can make it home.  You can use a brief case of large purse the same way.

In my pack I keep:

20oz bottle of water.  In the summer I add a second bottle of water. Be sure it is a sturdy one, the thin ones will leak in a few weeks.)
bag of hard candy, I like jolly ranchers.
bandanna
pocket knife
small first aid kit, band-aids and antibacterial ointment.
Small flash light
Eye drops
2 day supply of meds. for me that is aspirin and Tums.
Dust mask
hand tool IE. little hammer or small axe. Break the window on the bus if I need to get out.

I also have my lunch and what ever I may have needed to take with me to work that day. On my way home I have all the same stuff just no lunch. My pack of supplies has a weight of less than 5 pounds. This kit is not a bug out kit. It is a bug back in kit. It is what I think I may need to get back home from work if I have to walk. It is a short term get me home kit not intended for long term survival.

I also keep a few things at work. You never know if you are going to be stuck in the building for hours or days in the event of trouble.

I keep:
1 gallon of water,
8 cans of ready to eat pop top soup,
Some dry drink mix
Bag of hard candy.
$10.00 in change for the candy and soda machine.

If you do not have good walking shoes you will need to keep some at your job or in your car. My job involves a lot of walking so my shoes will already be on.

Always were weather appropriate clothing to work. So if you end up outside you will be ready for the weather. I know several people who never were a coat becuse they have inside parking. Not a good plan good if you have to walk.

Now that you have your pack planed and put together look for the best route home. My route avoids down town and industrial zones. I will be in neighborhoods for most of my trip. I have planned a path with no bridges that is a flat as possible. Yes I like an easy walk home.

So for the times you are not home be sure you have your bug back in kit ready.