A Note
Preparedness means many different things to many different people. This guide was developed using several resources that have been researched over many years of prepping. The items in this guide are not meant to be the “end all, beat all” prepper’s shopping list. Instead, its a jumping off point. There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of articles, websites, YouTube videos, and podcasts speaking on this topic. This guide is intended to be a jumping off point and help point you in the right direction. Happy prepping!
Bug out, shelter in place, get home, etc. etc.
Preppers understand the importance of being ready for emergencies, but different situations require different strategies. Three common preparedness concepts – bugging out, sheltering in place, and get-home bags – serve distinct purposes. Understanding these differences can help ensure you’re prepared for any scenario.
Bugging Out
Bugging out refers to leaving your home and evacuating to a safer location, usually in response to disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or civil unrest. A bug-out bag (BOB) is a survival kit designed to support you for at least 72 hours. It typically includes food, water, a first aid kit, shelter, and self-defense items. Bugging out requires having a well-planned destination in advance.
Sheltering in Place
Sheltering in place means staying at home and riding out a disaster. This is often the best option during events like snowstorms, pandemics, or power grid failures. To successfully shelter in place, you need long-term supplies, including food, water, medicine, and backup power. Unlike a BOB, which is portable, your home preps should be extensive and capable of sustaining you for weeks or months.
Get-Home Bags (GHBs)
A get-home bag is designed to help you return home safely if disaster strikes while you’re away. Unlike a bug-out bag, which is built for long-term evacuation, a GHB is lightweight and meant for short-term survival – typically 24 hours or less. It contains essentials like water, energy bars, a flashlight, and basic self-defense tools. People usually keep their GHB in their vehicle or at work in case they need to travel on foot during an emergency.
Key Differences
| Concept | Purpose | Duration | Key Supplies |
| Bugging Out | Evacuate to a safe location | 72+ hours | Full survival kit, shelter, food, defense |
| Shelter in Place | Stay home and endure | Weeks to months | Stockpiled food, water, medicine, power |
| Get-Home Bag | Return home | 24 hours or less | Water, snacks, light, basic defenses |
Example Prep List: Bug Out Bag
- Lighter
- Fire starter
- Waterproof matches
- Tarp
- Rechargeable headlamp
- Battery-powered flashlight
- Battery banks for mobile devices
- Glow sticks
- Map of your local area and the USA
- Essential documentation (copies of IDs, important property, etc.)
- Binoculars
- Boonie hat or baseball cap
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof note pad and pen
- Cash (in small bills)
- Paracord
- Sewing kit
- Vaseline
- Camp soap
- Camp toilet paper
- Entrenching tool
- Poncho
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Zip ties
- Combat-style knife
- Field knife
- Hatchet
- Multi-tool
- Mace/pepper spray
- Duct tape
- Can opener
- Lure snare
- Fishing kit
- Emergency weather radio (should be capable of crank charging)
- Individual first aid kit (IFAK) with tourniquet
- Compass
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Emergency blanket/bivy
- Water filtration device
- MREs, calorie bars, protein bars, etc.
- Water canteen or bottle
Example Prep List: Get-Home Bag
- Water and water canteen or bottle
- Water filtration device
- MREs, calorie bars, protein bars, etc.
- Essential documentation (copies of IDs, important property, etc.)
- Battery banks for mobile devices
- Compass
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Boonie hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Change of clothes
- Sewing kit
- Vaseline
- Camp soap and toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Knife (combat and/or field)
- Headlamp
- Battery-operated flashlight
- Emergency blanket/bivy
- Poncho
- Individual first aid kit (IFAK) with tourniquet
- Mace/pepper spray
- Vehicle: spring-loaded window punch
- Vehicle: seat belt cutter
- Vehicle: signal flare kit
- Vehicle: jumper cables or jumper device
- Vehicle: tire patch kit
Example Prep List: Home Stockpile
- (2) gallons of water, per person, per day
- Freeze dried food and other long-term food storage
- Lighters and matches
- Emergency candles
- Battery-operated flashlight
- Power source that does not rely on the electric grid (solar generator, etc.)
- Battery banks for mobile devices
- Method of cooking without electric (such as a camp stove)
- Emergency weather radio (should be capable of crank power)
- Cash (in small bills)
- Essential documentation (copies of IDs, important property, etc.)
- First aid kit with medications
- Combat-style knife
- Sewing kit
- Zip ties
- Duct tape
- Emergency blanket/bivy
- Hand sanitizer
- Particulate masks
- Work gloves
- Hand tools
- Axe
- Firearms and ammunition