14 Important Bugging In Essentials & Tips

Today, I’m sharing 14 important bugging in essentials and tips. You’ve heard of bugging out, but have you heard of bugging in? Many people have heard of the term “bugging out,” which refers to leaving a dangerous or unstable situation in order to find safety. But what about bugging in? Bugging in is the opposite – it means staying put and fortifying your home against attack or disaster. Here are some bugging-in essentials and tips for doing so.

What is bugging in?

Bugging in is the act of preparing to stay put and ride out an emergency or Disaster Scenario at your home. This is in contrast to bugging out, which is when you evacuate from your current location to go someplace else that is deemed safer.

Why bug in?

There are several reasons why you would want to bug in rather than evacuate. If the disaster is one that is concentrated and not that close to your home location, such as a severe storm or wildfire, then evacuating may not be necessary or even possible. If the disaster is a nationwide or global event, such as an economic collapse or nuclear war, then evacuating may not be practical either.

You may not be given a choice. Local authorities can issue a mandated evacuation order and they expect you to comply. If you ignore those directives you are pretty much on your own. I’m not sure what the legal ramifications are, but I think your best bet for survival is to evacuate when told.

What are the essentials for bugging in?

Food and Water

Make sure you have enough food and water to last you and your family for at least 3 months. Store it in a cool, dry place. This isn’t something you want to guess about when it comes to the quantity you’ll need. For the next week, or even month, take an inventory of what you and your family members consume in both water and food. Then compute what those amounts would be if needed for the 3-month period. I think you may be surprised what that would take.

I’ve always told my readers that when it comes to water, you’ll want 4 gallons per day per person. That provides what I feel is better coverage when you consider the need for proper hydration, personal hygiene, cooking, and washing of at least your underwear.

Some agencies have suggested just one gallon per person per day, but I don’t see how you can realiscally do that and maintain any semblance of healthy living. Remember, you can live only about three days without water, so it’s critical to have enough to stay hydrated.

People have been known to go three weeks without food. Boy, that would be tough, but doable. The key is to not only have enough food for each person, but the food they are willing to eat. Yes, we’ll eat pretty much anything if it means staying alive, but you want your family to eat foods that not only provide needed nourishment, but also the food they enjoy eating.

The other issue to keep in mind is to store foods that have a reasonable shelf life. Canned goods are a good choice since they are commercially packed to not spoil for extended periods, they come in a great variety of options, and they are easy to stack. Keep stored food away from extreme heat and cold.

First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is essential for any emergency situation. Be sure to include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and painkillers. We often take for granted our health, but keeping ourselves safe and healthy is critical, particularly when you’re faced with an emergency that will test your physical and mental limits.

Your first aid kit needs to have the supplies that match the makeup of your family circle. Kids will need different things than adults, and when you add the element of an elderly person, those needs change too.

Flashlight

Keep a flashlight handy in case of a power outage. Be sure to check the batteries regularly. Battery Flashlights and Solar Lanterns. I suggest each member have their own flashlight since you may be in different areas of the house. I strongly encourage you to consider getting solar-powered flashlights. We’ve had some for years now and I keep them stored on my windowsills so they stay charged and ready for use all the time.

Battery-operated Radio

A battery-operated radio is a great way to stay informed during an emergency situation. Emergency NOAA Radio Spend a little extra and get one that has a weather band feature so you can stay up to date with the weather conditions in your area.

I do suggest you consider researching a “crank” radio, one you can get to work by cranking it if the batteries have gone bad. Most of these also have a feature that allows you to plug them in if power is available.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher should be kept in an easily accessible place in case of a fire. Fire Extinguishers and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. As you may know, fires can take different forms, so consider having one you can use in the kitchen for a grease fire, one in the garage for a chemical or gas fire, etc.

Remember, fire extinguishers have to be “charged” with the materials that put out the fire and they are usually filled under pressure. Over time they lose that charge and need to be refilled or replaced. You could check the pressure from time to time, and even pay to have them inspected if you are uncertain of their condition.

Emergency Contact Information

Make sure you have a list of emergency contacts, such as family and friends, as well as important phone numbers for utility companies. We’ve all found that our phones are great sources for information, including critical contact info. The challenge is our phones may not work in all conditions. Having a hard copy printed out and readily available is important, and every family member needs to know where it’s kept.

Extra Cash

ATMs may not be working during an emergency, so it’s always good to have some extra cash on hand. Please keep some one-dollar bills, fives, and tens in a safe and secure location. Mark and I have had a small safe in our home for years. We keep some documents and cash stored away so we can access them without having to visit our bank and a safetly deposit box is things get dicey. If you’re in a flood proned area, you’d want to keep it up off the ground.

Pillows and Blankets

Pillows and blankets can be used for comfort or insulation. Never get rid of old pillows and blankets because you never know when they could come in handy! These items become useful for more than sleeping. They can provide some warmth if needed. The blankets and be used to cover windows, stuff around door jams, and more.

Clothing and Shoes

Keep a few changes of clothes and sturdy shoes in case you need to evacuate your home. There’s not to many things worse than being wet all over, particularly if the weather is cold. Having a change of clothes not only makes us feel more comfortable, if kept dry, they could make a real difference in a life or death situation.

You should also have extra jackets and possibly some water proof boots to help in those cold and wet emergency scenarios.

Important Documents

Keep copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and passports, in a waterproof and fireproof container. When the dust settles, so may need to prove you have the right home insurance, are fully covered with medical insurance, need car repairs, or even prove who you are and where you live. Having documents to answer a wide variety of issues and questions can make all the difference in recovery mode.

Pet Supplies

If you have pets, make sure you have enough food and water for them, as well as a leash or carrier in case you need to evacuate. They also may need an extra bed to sleep in if theirs was damaged or hit with the storm or flood. They also love blankets, treats and toys to help them through the stressful times.

Medicine

If you or anyone in your family takes medication, be sure to have enough to last for at least a few weeks. Have a supply in a secure location your family members know about so you’re not all running around the house gathering up what’s needed. Most doctors will prescribe in 90 vials so you always have sufficient supplies available.

It would be good to keep a list of the meds each member takes on a sheet so it can be referenced if needed. You don’t want to rely totally on your memory, especially during stressful times.

Tools

Keep a few basic tools, such as a hammer and screwdrivers, handy in case you need to make repairs. Mark has a nice tool chest in the garage with each drawer labled indicating what is stored inside. He’s collected a nice inventory of tools over the years, such that we seldom, if ever, have to borrow from a neighbor.

Multipurpose Tools

A Swiss army knife or multitool can be very useful in an emergency situation. One of our son-in-laws has a handy tool on his belt all the time. I’m amazed how often I see him pull it out of its holster and put to use.

Sanitary Supplies

Make sure you have enough sanitary supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, and female “that time of the month” supplies to last for at least a few weeks.

Bugging In Essential Tips:

1. Make sure you have enough food and water to last two weeks of just regular consumpton.
2. You’ll need at least 6 months of dried foods and water storage.
3. You should also have a water filter, so you can drink from any water source.
4. Have a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
5. Keep a flashlight with extra batteries in every room.
6. Get a battery-operated radio and an emergency whistle.
7. Make sure your gas tank is always full.
8. Have cash on hand in small denominations.
9. Know how to turn off the utilities outside your home.
10. Make sure you have two weeks of clothing and shoes for everyone in the family.
11. Keep a three-day supply of medicine for each person and pet.
12. Have a toolbox with basic tools.
13. Keep a fire extinguisher where they are handy to find and use.
14. Have an emergency plan for your family and practice it regularly.
15. Be familiar with your surroundings and know multiple ways to get out of your neighborhood.
16. Make sure you have an emergency contact list.
17. Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof and fireproof container.
18. Check the expiration dates on your food and water storage regularly.
19. Have a pet emergency kit ready to go.
20. Keep your home clean, tidy, and organized.
21. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
22. Know how to use all of your bugging in supplies.
23. Do a practice run with all of your supplies so that you know what you’re doing BEFORE challenges come your way.

What is bug-in survival?

Bug-in survival is the act of preparing to survive in your own home during an emergency situation. This could be anything from a natural disaster to a power outage. It’s important to have enough food, water, and supplies to last for at least two weeks. You should also have a plan for your family and practice it regularly.

What is a bug-in plan?

A bug-in plan is a plan for how you and your family will survive in your own home during an emergency situation. It’s one thing to try and stay on top of what’s going on in your area, it’s another to prepare for those situations where you and your family are put at risk. The plan is designed to put in place all the essentials mentioned above and have the training and experience to put them to use when needed.

What is a bug-out room?

A bug-out room is a room in your home that is stocked with all of the supplies you need to survive for at least two weeks. This could include food, water, clothes, medicine, and tools. It’s important to have a plan for how you will use this room in an emergency situation.

How do I prepare my house for survival?

There are many things you can do to prepare your house for survival. Some of these include stocking up on food and water, having a plan for your family, and knowing how to turn off the utilities to your home. You should also be familiar with your surroundings and know multiple ways to get out of your neighborhood. Make sure you pay attention to the bugging in essentials mentioned above.

You should get some input about how to keep both the inside and outside of your home as safe as possible. They includes having smoke alarms inside the doorways of each bedroom, checking the batteries in those alarms every few months, keeping your furnace room free of clutter and flammable materials, having a fire extenguisher in the kitchen and garage, keeping trees and bushes in the home trimmed to limit fire danger, store all fuel supplies in a shed or other out building away from the house, keeping your heat and cooling systems well maintained so you can count on them as each season changes, and so much more.

Final Word

Bugging in essentials is key to surviving any emergency situation. Make sure you have enough food, water, and supplies. You should also have a plan for your family and practice it regularly. Being prepared can make all the difference in a survival situation. May God Bless this world, Linda.

Copyright Images: Beautiful Home AdobeStock_219710464 by bmak