Here are the basics you'll want to have packed and ready.
In light of recent natural disasters across the U.S., packing a "go bag" wouldn't be a bad a idea to have ready in short order. But there are also things you can store in your car or truck that will deem it worthy of being called a bug out vehicle.
While everyone has their own idea of what true necessities are, here are five items everyone should have ready to go at all times.
Food and Water
The most essential of basics are the first to get raided from grocery store shelves when people are rushing out of an area or hunkering down to stay safe. Keep a case of water in the garage or pantry for such a situation, and for food, you can have long-life items such as crackers, apple sauce, or granola bars.
Regardless of what part of the country you live in, having these items on hand can be the difference between being safe and panicking.
Gasoline
When infrastructure is damaged or mass evacuations are ordered, gasoline always becomes a scarce commodity. Avoid hour-long lines by keeping a couple fresh five gallon gas cans on hand ahead of impending severe weather seasons.
Blankets, Clothes and Toiletries
Simply surviving a disaster is one thing, but being comfortable afterward is another crucial element.
You hear many times that people escaped an area with only the food on their backs, so putting together a small bag of clothes with blankets, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste will make a miserable situation a little less miserable.
Phone Charging Device
These days, you can get a handheld smartphone charger just about anywhere, and it would be a great idea to pack one since disasters tend to know out hard-wired communication.
As we have learned this year, social media and texting tend to be the best ways to communicate with first responders and loved ones in the aftermath of these events.
NEXT: 5 SURVIVAL AND EXPEDITION VEHICLES THAT WE'D DRIVE IN A HEARTBEAT
