Unwanted events can occur at any time - even while you sleep

 Firstly, my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by any unwanted life event that has forced them and their family to “bug out.”

It is very sad to hear that children have to go through traumatic situations. I have great empathy and concern. I wanted to present my knowledge of various types of bags, including “day bags/packs,” “bug-out bags,” “24-hour bags,” “assault bags,” “emergency bag,” and “grab bags,” among other names. One day, I will make a video on all the specific items I have. These bags are designed for “grab and go” convenience.

In a bit of a disclaimer, my heart really went out when I heard about the girls who went missing in Texas. That is why I wanted to make this list today. Very sad to think about if my little girl was with her grandparents or a friend’s parents (she’s too young for camps right now), and we saw on the news that she was missing during a flood. As former Military Police, I have two thoughts. Those are: water and food. In severe cases, younger children can only survive for a few hours. Just the thought of my girl by herself in a natural disaster literally kills me. At least I know at a certain age, when she can use an emergency bag, she has a fighting chance to live.

My Family Items Are:

• Wet Wipes
• First Aid (we use Vitac: tactical aid company). We do not want to be caught in a situation where there is physical trauma and we only have a basic first aid kit. Our bags are not set for a specific event response, keep in mind. One event is an active shooter. There is a lot to unpack when we involve weapons, so it’s too easy to just inform you that these are also the bags you grab as you rush out to meet the ambulance if you don’t get to the ER before they meet you. Falls, burns, cuts, and other severe traumas can occur; on a regular day at home or even during your bug-out. If you have to evacuate and only have basic kit, you may regret it.
• Guns & Magazines (again, I am traveling with my family, don’t be surprised if I use paracord to strap my shotgun to my bag)
• Tape (e.g., duct tape)
• Flashlights (and headlamps)
• Lights (glow sticks and road safety flares)
• Whistles (personal alarms). In the event you cannot blow too hard from exhaustion, smoke, lung trauma, whatever the case, don’t rely on your lungs when you don’t have to. Additionally, higher-pitched sirens can penetrate environments where whistles may not be audible.
• Rain Gear
• Iodine Tablets
• Fluids (best products are CamelBaks for water). That way, you don’t have to take off your bag or have someone come to get your water.
• Extra Clothing (at least socks)
• Blankets
• Machete (short and skinny, extra personal protection)
• Food (emergency rations that do not need water or heat)
• Fire Kit (we use our meat torch; we have a baby, and if he needs heat fast, matches in a small box in some pocket will not be quick enough. Getting a tiny pocket-sized tortch is a great investment)
• Sunscreen
• Medication (we put two days’ worth of medication, including prescribed medication, into the packs)
• Compass & Map. Learn to read a map
• Multi-Tool
• Personal Information (SS cards, birth certificates, etc.) These items are already in a book that will go in my bag. I am used to having this information handy. When I worked in a group home, we had to keep each child’s books on hand in case of an emergency. Information includes food and medicine allergies. I had one kid who had a medical reaction while we were at a bowling alley, and the other staff member did not grab the bag with all their binders — long day.

Keep in mind, there are extra items you can carry if they are needed for your situation (such as winter time, summer, rain, fire, medical restrictions/limitations, 72-hour bag, etc.):

• Radios
• Hachet
• Hat
• Gloves
• Batteries
• Sleeping Bag
• Breathing Mask (gas mask)
• Nightvision Goggles
• Thermals
• Waterproof Bag
• Small Battery Charging Station
• And more!

But wait! That’s not all!

Along with us having to have our bags, there is one in my family who also needs a bag, but we have an issue. He’s not even a year old yet.

My baby’s bug-out bag is a mini diaper bag, but with a snap-in child carrier in it.

Thank you for reading today! We will see you next time!

© Jessica and Joshua Lyon 2025. All Rights Reserved.
To cite us, use this format and edit as necessary (APA, 7th edition): 
In-text citation: (Lyon & Lyon, 2024).
Reference Page: Lyon, J. & Lyon, J. (2024, November 20). Contest entry: Giving freedom shows their heart in relationships, friendships, and family. Medium. https://medium.com/p/9d1677d865d0

Picture Reference: Photo by Josh Willink: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-a-daughters-playing-on-the-seashore-8364945/