Almost all mini preppers have what is know as a "bug out bag."  This is a bag of essentials that will provide for your needs and keep you as comfortable as possible in case you have to leave your home.

People who live in the path of hurricanes are use to leaving their homes.  However, there are other circumstances which may cause us to have to make a hasty retreat from our home, such as a chemical spill on a nearby freeway, or a flood situation.

Bug out bags don't have to be expensive.  You can find heavy duty bags at thrift stores that only cost a couple dollars.  The black bag pictured below only cost a couple dollars.  It is large, has lots of compartments, and can be carried by hand or over the shoulder.  It was a commercial bag, so it is made out of ballistic nylon and is very tough.

Purchase as big a bag as practical so you can get everything you want in it.  If it is not complete, and you have to go through your house picking up additional items, it defeats the purpose of the bag.

There is no way you can think clearly when you are under that kind of pressure and pack everything that you need in a few minutes.  A Bug Out Bag is easy to grab, and go.

Certain items in your Bug Out Bag will have to be rotated, such as food, water, batteries, and medications.  A good policy is to rotate these items when you rotate your household emergency batteries.

You have a couple options when it comes to a Bug Out Bag.  You can buy them at various price points, or you can make your own.  You can put your items in a plastic bucket, a carry bag or in a pack.

You may have a situation where you can go to a hotel but you have to be prepared should you have no option but to sleep in your car or in the outdoors.

Here are some items that are commonly put in Bug Out Bags:

• Changes of clothing
• Water and water purification tablets
• Dehydrated and other food
• Cooking camp stove or alternative means of heating up food
• Dishes and utensils
• Hand warmers, gloves, ponchos, emergency foil-lined blankets and wool blankets
• Sleeping bags, tarps or tents
• Nylon Utility cord
• Tri-fold shovel
• Emergency windup flashlight and radio
• Candles and matches
• Head lamps
• Multi-function tool
• First aid supplies and medications
• Paper face masks (N95 Respirator masks)
• Emergency whistles
• Duct tape
• Toilet paper
• Handiwipes and soap
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and other dental needs
• Fire starter
• Garbage bags
• Cash, with small bills
• Small toys or books for children

If other members in your family live in your area, establish a meeting place in a location away from your city. 

It is also a good idea to have a relative who lives in another area as the person responsible for keeping track of family members and where they are.  Someone out-of-town may be easier to reach in times of crisis.

Finally, remember that you should always keep the gas tank in your vehicle half full of gas.