We’re not sure if it will be terrorists, nuclear bombs, flesh-eating zombies, or a Sharknado, but we can be sure of one thing: it’s coming. It probably won’t be today, probably, but you can bet your binoculars it’s out there waiting — the end of the world as we know it.
Not wanting to get caught with your guard down, you’ve been prepping, probably have a designated bug-out locale, supplies stocked, and water for a minimum of three months. You’ve likely had your bug-out bag ready to go for years, but now it’s time to consider something new — the kids’ emergency pack.
If you were planning on sharing, don’t. It’s better all members of your bug-out party have their own bug-out bags, including the short ones. But in the unfortunate event the kids get separated from the group, their chances of survival will be a whole lot better if you’ve pre-planned and packed them each a bug-out bag.
What do you include in your kids’ emergency pack? Here is a primary checklist for to help you put together an effective pack that will help your kids make it through an unpredictable emergency situation.
Survival Supplies
- Flashlight: For your mini-me, the adjustable Mini CREE light is perfect for mini hands. This steady, durable and very bright beam runs under $5, and there is nothing better for a wee one. Plus, a single AA battery is all that’s required to keep this baby shining, and if you’re smart and using rechargeable batteries, that torch will keep burning.
- Multi-tool: The child’s age will determine how advanced of a tool they can handle, but a standard Swiss Army knife has a 101 applications. Scissors, bottle opener, tweezers, utility knife (or fingernail file for the children more likely to take out their own eye rather than a zombie’s) it can also be used to cut up material for bandages, open tin cans and remove debris or splinters from a wound.
- Compass: Any kid who can read can read a compass. Actually, just knowing the ABC’s will suffice. The first lesson to teach the children in your bug-out group is the direction of your camp-site, fall-out shelter or hideaway so they know where to head in case they get lost. Sure, you could opt for a dime store compass, but you’ll wind up getting what you pay for. There are many quality compasses currently manufactured, but why not go with a full-on, military grade lensatic compass with illumination and aluminium casing? Nothing but the best for your little zombie raider, right?
- Snack Bars: Whether they be granola, power or ration bars, anything small enough to fit in your pocket and will not spoil is a winner. These products often have enough sugar to offer quick pick-me-ups when on the move, but also contain enough protein to qualify as food, given the circumstances.
- Supplements: Kids are notoriously picky eaters. I’m afraid even during the apocalypse, trying to get them to eat whatever you find or prepare will be a nightmare. There will be at least one in your group who turns their nose up at whatever is for dinner. Still, during a state of martial law, it’s not exactly illegal to feed picky eaters to the zombies; it’s bad form. So, you’ll have to come up with a solution in order to keep them alive. Thank your stars for vitamin supplements. Get the gummy ones if your child is a real jerk.
Entertainment/Distraction
- Activities and Games: You will have to explain to your child that smartphone games not only are a waste of electricity, but also attract any terrorist or Sharknado within a five-mile radius. If they start to complain, distract and entertain them with their own trusty bug-out bags during an emergency. Low-tech activities and games should be included in their bug-out bags to remind them there is still fun to be had and to distract them from the carnage just outside the door of your bomb shelter. Delightful puzzles, crosswords and memory games should do the trick.
- Deck of cards: Particularly if the children happen to become POWs, a deck of cards will be required to help them pass the time. Be sure to teach your child an additional survival skill for emergency scenarios, like how to play Texas Hold ‘Em.
When planning your exit strategy for possible disasters to come, be sure you include the children in your design. After all, they will likely be required to repopulate the world after it’s all over.
If they’re big and old enough to walk, they’re plenty able to carry their own weight, starting with the bug-out bag you packed with loving care.
