My thoughts on BOBs per the 1/28/15 NNPG Amateur Radio net meeting
BOBs were covered very well during the meeting between Rob’s presentation and the additional comments.
I basically added the comment that have a BOB is an important early step in becoming prepared. Partly because you never know when you might have to leave your primary residence for a short to more extended timeframe. Also because it can be an effective BIB (bug in bag), as well as Bug Out Bag.
The BOBs being discussed during the net meeting are primarily meant to cover a few days at most. Some of my recommendations will duplicate what was presented in the meeting, but I am too lazy to extract that information.
1. Do not delay. If you do not have a BOB for each member of the family, get started putting them together.
2. Think it through. A BOB is not necessarily just a kit to survive in the wilderness for a few days. It needs to include items for stays with family, friends, sponsored shelters, and hotels/motels.
3. Include items for the return home and for recovery. As Rob stated, documentation can often be absolutely crucial to get things done on a timely basis, without major unnecessary additional expense. Paper copies, preferably official copies or notarized ones, of many types of documents should be in the BOB. Having a thumb drive of the information is great for items that do not involve ‘official’ agencies, and for yourself, but will be of little, if any, use for the authorities. A list of documents is included.
4. We live in Nevada. The high desert. BOBs that do include living in the wilderness for a few days may have to cope with -20⁰F with 60 – 80 mph winds to 120⁰F without a single breeze blowing. Snow up to 10’ deep with 20’ drifts in the high passes. Limited water availability. Chance of run-ins with cougars and elk in rut at times. Very few wild eatables in the area in most seasons. Forgetting these details can cripple or kill you. And cheap gear out here kills people. Gear does not have to be fancy or expensive. It does have to be good quality.
5. With the above in mind, decide if you want a BOB complete to cover all seasons and events, or you will faithfully swap out gear as the seasons change, or you will have a ‘layered’ system of bags/kits that are kept together and the ones appropriate for the situation taken when you bug-out. Any of the methods are acceptable. But pick one and prepare accordingly.
6. Make sure any medical issues are addressed. Extra prescription medications, regularly rotated; basic OTC remedies for common ailments such as a cold, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, seasonal allergies, etc.; and health aids such as extra prescription glasses or at least a good pair of medium strength reading glasses is spare prescription glasses are not a viable option. A folding cane can be a major help in case of the elderly, or someone sprains an ankle.
7. Do not forget the needs of children, special needs children and adults, elderly, pets, and livestock. Each requires special items and plans to deal with them.
8. Start with the basics in your BOB. Documentation (as mentioned), water, food, sanitation, fire if in the field, extra clothing, shelter, lighting, and medical needs (also as mentioned).
9. If you are bugging out, chances are you will be more than a little stressed. Do not discount the positive effects of comfort items when you pack your BOB(s). Comfort foods, as well as other items, such as a book of faith, a personal item, a photo, a book, a neck pillow, or any other fairly small and light item can help lower the stress level, especially for children and pets.
10. Do not go to the wilderness unless you absolutely have to. Civilization has many benefits, else it would not have developed. If you cannot stay with family, friends, or in a motel, consider camping out at a local park or campground, rather than in the wild. You might need to disappear for a while, but chances are the situation will not call for that.
The Documents list:
Automotive paperwork: registration, title, insurance card, tire warranties, repair warranties, etc.
Business records: Company ID, business license, bylaws, emergency plan, employee contact list, contracts, supplier info, customer info, incorporation records, partnership records, accounts receivable, accounts payable
Computer records: online accounts, passwords, web/blog host info, etc.
Employment records: Company ID, employee handbook w/emergency plan, pay stub
Family contacts: name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail, code word for proof of identity
Financial records: checking account info, savings account info, bankruptcy decree, credit card info, loan info, utilities info, location of safety deposit boxes, stocks/bonds/brokerage account information
Future death information: will, funeral arrangements, cemetery plots
Household records: Deed, mortgage, appraisals & inventory of home & contents, warranties, home layout drawing
ID: Driver’s license, passport, state ID card, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, birth certificates, adoption records, current photos, physical descriptions (including identifying features)
Insurance records: Auto, home, health, life, disability, insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid card, any other insurance cards
Legal records: marriage certificate, prenups, executor of estate, divorce decree, powers of attorney, death certificates, criminal history, final disposition of any civil/criminal court cases, trust documents, military discharge (DD214)
Medical records: Medical Power of Attorney, Doctors’ info, Dentists’ info, living will, allergies, prescriptions, current illnesses/problems, past major medical history
Professional advisors info: Insurance agents, accountant, lawyers, doctor(s), dentist
Professional & Miscellaneous licenses and records: Doctor licenses, other profession licenses, concealed weapons license, Amateur Radio Operator license, Press credentials, Investigator credentials, etc.
Religious records: Christening, baptismal, confirmation,
Retirement account information (401k, 403b, social security statement, IRA, pension plans, etc.)
School records: high school diploma, college diploma, college degrees, trade school diplomas
Tax records: Social Security Card, personal tax records for 5 years, business tax records for 5 years, property tax info
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Just my opinion.
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