Every year before hurricane season I examine my bug out bag and make sure we have everything we need in case of emergency.  It’s a good time to check for expiration dates, add new things, and remove expired or warn out items. Here are five things I want in my bug out bag.  Do you have them in yours?  ParrisIsland.com is an Amazon Affiliate and we will earn a small commission (at no cost to you),  when you purchase items through these links.  Thank you for supporting the site.

1. Fire Proof Documents Organizer – a smaller version of the fireproof box.  Something portable, lightweight and easy to grab and go.  Keep extra copies of your insurance papers, retirement accounts, inventories, mortgages, birth certificates, etc… in this legal sized documents holder.  In addition to being fireproof, it is waterproof, has a handle and is easy to see.

2. Credit Cards and Emergency Cash – Credit cards are helpful during an emergency, but sometimes the power goes out and stores implement a cash only policy.  Keep some cash on hand to pay for goods and services.   Many times during an emergency, stores have limited amounts of cash on hand.  If they get too many people with twenty dollar bills and  up, they can no longer make change.  Be prepared with the exact amount needed by packing smaller bills like ones and fives.  Add coins for exact change and  to use in vending machines.  Keep your emergency stash with your bug out bag in a water resistant coin purse like this one.

3. Prescription And Over The Counter Medications  and a container with labels. There are so many kinds of containers to choose from and the size and type will depend on the number of medications you take.  We use one week am/pm cases.  They work well for travel and help keep track of when to take your medications.  I have one with a zip up case for my bug out bag.

4. GPS Navigation System – If you have a new car with a media screen that allows you to plug in your phone and use it for directions.  But if you have an older model vehicle you may want to purchase a GPS Navigation System.  During an emergency, like a hurricane evacuation, traffic is backed up for miles.  But if you have a map or GPS, you may just see an alternate route to get you to your destination without having to sit in traffic all night long.  Or go old school with paper maps or a current Atlas.

5.  Cell Phone –  I know most people have cell phone, but if you don’t they are mighty handy to have in an emergency.  You can use them for directions, to call for help if your vehicle breaks down,  to get weather reports and local news for your bug out destination.  If you do have a cell phone and need it for navigation, I recommend getting a PopSocket to put on the back of your phone.  This handy pop up circle can be used to hold your phone more comfortably as well as to prop it up on a table or night stand.  But the best feature for driving is the mount for vehicles.  The first one I bought to use in a rental car and it worked beautifully.   They  are available from Amazon in many stiles and colors, or you can purchase them directly from PopSocket where you can customize your PopSocket with a picture of your new Marine.  🙂  Mine is 4 years old so far and has been moved to a newer phone.

Amazon works well for military families for a number of reasons: 1) Many items arrive in 2 or 3 days. 2) With a Prime membership you get free shipping on most of the items you buy, (actually I don’t buy it if I can’t get free shipping).  3) Your Prime membership will give you access to free movies and books all year long.
Consider giving an Amazon Prime membership as a gift for your family members in the military.

If you enjoyed this blog post, make sure to visit the Parris Island Bug Out Bag under the Resource Pages for more ideas.