The Get Home Bag (GHB)

Now that you've got your BOB all figured out what are you going to do if you're not at home when disaster strikes? If you're alert and you pay attention to the news then there aren't many things that can happen that will happen so fast that you have trouble making it home. That doesn't mean that you'll always have prior warning if something bad happens, though. Earthquakes happen fast. One minute you're plugging away on your computer or patiently waiting in line at the grocery store. The next thing you know you've been thrown around like a rag doll, there's a huge 12 foot wide crevice between you and your car and even if you could make it to your car you wouldn't be able to get 50 feet because every other car on the road is upside down or on it's side. That inconspicuous mushroom cloud that suddenly appeared 10 miles away might be another thing that makes it a bit difficult to get home. Weather can also be a major deterent. I can remember several times where the weather ended up worse than was predicted.

So what does all of this crap have to do with your BOB? If you don't keep your BOB in your car all the time then you might just need another bag to make it home. Unless your work is 50+ miles away from your home or you spend a lot of time traveling then your get home bag should just be enough to last you a day or so. You don't need much in this bag. It's mostly a means to carry extra food and, more importantly, water. I carry a gallon of water which will last me at least a day comfortably. You'll also want to keep at least a couple hundred dollars that you don't allow yourself to spend. As far as food is concerned you shouldn't need more than a few energy bars or an MRE.

If things go from 0 to SHTF (shit hit the fan) so fast that I need my GHB (get home bag) to get home then the criminal element will most likely be a problem. Under the circumstances the authorities will most likely have their hands full so you can either hope for the best or you can take your personal security into your own hands. Get your concealed carry license now. Even if you don't carry a gun on you all the time at least you'll have the option. If things get to the point where you genuinely feel the need to carry then you probably won't be able to get the license anymore. It takes at least a couple of months in most states, anyway, so what are you going to do in the meantime?

That little, inconspicuous bag in your trunk won't draw unwanted attention and it won't get in the way. Having it handy doesn't hurt anything even if you never need it. In the event that you actually do need it, though, you'll be really glad that you have it.

Comments

Ryan said…
I think the need for a BOB/GOOD bag or even a GHB is directly related to the distance between home and work. If it is less then 15 miles (a pretty reasonably estimate of what can be walked in a day by most people) then a decent pair of shoes/boots, appropriate clothing for the weather in your area/season, a gallon of water and a pistol is plenty. Since I do not always wear boots I keep a pair in the trunk of my car.

Generally speaking the farther from home you are traveling the more stuff will be needed to get back there in a way that isn't misserable. If you work really far from home (say 50 miles just to have a number) consider getting one of thos efolding bikes to stash in the trunk or office.
December 23, 2007 at 4:02 PM
Anonymous said…
The one thing I almost never see regarding get-home or bug-out bags, is the ability to carry it. We need walking shoes or boots, and loads of miles under our belts to know we can hoof it when necessary. We need to walk with our packs, we also need to know our area from memory. Finally, we need the will to do whatever it takes to get home, with or without equipment. Mostly just endurance and keeping out wits about us to get home the shortest way possible when things are safe and by stealthier means if it isn't safe.
February 16, 2011 at 5:28 PM
Dixie said…
Because you are familiar with survivalists bulletin boards, could you recommend a few where I could list a rural home for sale? The house is in Colorado, on 20 acres with fabulous well. Thanks for any help.
February 7, 2012 at 4:46 PM
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