Bug Out Rubbermaid Kit or BURK

Since the aftermath of 9-11, it is not uncommon to get on your computer to check the most recent news only to find that the security alert level has been elevated. This increase in vigilance is no need to get frightened and rush off into a corner with your only flashlight in hand. Instead, keep calm and plan before hand. Here are a few hints to follow.

During any local or national emergencies, you can undertake two possible responses. One, you can remain in your residence although to do so you may perhaps find you have none of the customary comforts that you do now such as electric power, fresh water, etc. or you may be directed to relocate to a government sponsored shelter. In any event, the first act is to provide your children with a plastic whistle on a chain in the event they get lost or need help in an emergency.

In either case, the smart survivalist knows very well that the real lifesaver at this time is the Bug Out Bag or in this situation a Bug Out Rubbermaid Kit (BURK). BURK is comparable to having a transportable footlocker that you can relocate with you if necessary or use at home if you choose to shelter in. BURK should be prepacked and ready to go should the need arise.

When you grab BURK, you know you have all the essentials that you may need ranging from batteries to spare socks. Make no mistake, as there is plenty of room in the BURK for extras.

BURK should contain roughly 3 days worth of batteries, which you use. Notice I say that you use. If your emergency radio takes “C”, batteries and you stock up on “D” batteries you are not only wasting money but also clearly not thinking in a survivalist type mode. Stock up on things you will need and use. Okay, so you have now stocked up on extra batteries that you normally need, do not forget the kids. Electronic games require batteries and these games are small and will help take the kids minds off the emergency they are facing.

Keep a battery-powered lantern in your BURK, as it is much easier and safer to store up a few extra batteries then a few gallons of kerosene. Include a few 8-hour candles in your BURK in case they are needed. Keep a first aid kit in your BURK and include an extra bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen, and many bottles of antacids. Request that you family doctor provide you with an undated "Emergency Use Only" prescription. If you are on medications, you will need at least a three-day supply.

If the government has requested that, you move your family to a shelter wear your glasses as contacts can present a bit of a hassle. Sanitation itself can be a sticky problem so be sure to stock plenty of toilet paper. Latex gloves can be a useful item also. Place a few bottles of water in your BURK also in the event that you need additional drinking water. The shelter will normally supply you with sufficient food and water however; an extra bottle or two will not hurt. Maintain a small container of water purification tablets in your kit as well. In addition to the extra water, add a few cans of food such as fruit in a can, tuna and the children’s all favorite treat – Pop Tarts.

A point to keep in mind is that if the power goes out you may not have means of opening cans of food. No electric means no can opener so be sure to maintain a manual opener in your BURK. The old military P-38 can openers are ideal as they take up literally no space and work well.

No emergency shelter will allow you to bring in any sort of pets so leave additional food and water available for them. In emergencies, they can fend for themselves.

Include in your BURK extra matches and even a clicker lighter or two. If possible, include about fifty weatherproof matches in a waterproof case. You can purchase small butane cigarette lighters at the local Dollar store in a bulk package. Keep an unopened package in the BURK.

On the subject of money! Although money will not be as important as supplies or food, it is recommended that you keep a small amount in your BURK or on you at the time. Keep it in small bills definitely no larger then fives or ten dollar bills, ones are preferred.

Make sure to keep a few rolls of the all popular – do everything Duct tape. My wife swears by duct tape and she is a firm believer you can mend anything with it. Once again, these can be obtained at the local dollar store.

Include a supply of clean socks for three days, trash bags and a healthy supply of sanitary products as well as a means of disposing of them. I have heard it said that a film canister could hold several used tampons if pressed in hard enough. There are hundreds of uses for safety pins so be sure to load up on these. Bug repellent is an excellent item to pack, as you never know what the conditions will be in an emergency. Situations like flooding tend to bring an army of insects out so be prepared. Hygiene items like toothbrush with a small tube of toothpaste, dental floss and a small bar soap can tend to boast your spirits. Occasionally you may need a Chap Stick and once again, we visit the dollar store where you can usually pick them up in a package of three or four.

If you will be departing the area by way of your private automobile, you might consider placing a survival knife, signal mirror, magnesium fire starter, emergency blanket and fishing kit in your BURK.

If you were planning to make an extended BURK, you could include things such as a collapsible canteen, thermometer with wind chill chart on back, emergency sleeping bag, poncho, bandanna and small sewing kit

The shelters provide diapers however, they are the cheapest versions they can find and they will be rations so if you have babies you may wish to consider keeping extra diapers in the BURK. Take your own baby formulas that are premixed with disposable bottles, as there will be no way to sterilize items in the shelter.

Be sure to have your family's immunization records available. You are going to be asked for information about allergies, blood type, medical histories as well as social security numbers for yourself and your children. I always like to have an emergency waterproof pouch that holds information of value that may be needed in emergencies such as birth certificates, social security cards, or marriage license. I also keep a scanned copy of all the information on a CD, which I maintain in the BURK

Lastly, all I can say is be ready. Stay calm and do what you are told even if you disagree with the government or our policies. Your children need to believe that you trust the people in charge, so that they feel safe. The FEMA workers, the Red Cross and all the people that might be involved are very well trained, and are looking out for your safety and protection.
 

Copyright @2008 Joseph Parish