Get Home Bag

nfernaays · Dec 27, 2016

This is an interesting concept. I do not live far from home but I am interested to see the input. A couple of questions. What hazards to you face on your commute? Urban route? Rural roads? How bad is the snow in your area? How many access points are there for crossing the river on your commute?

GOPerfect · Dec 27, 2016

The term Get Home Bag often describes a backpack that's pre-stocked with a few essential survival foods, water and small survival tools in the event of a disaster where a fast evacuation is called for.

Note the difference between a Get Home Bag vs a Bug Out Bag. A Bug Out Bag is a full size backpack a lot bigger than a Get Home Bag. A Bug Out Bag can typically carry enough goods to survive for a week or more in the wilderness, and could weigh fully packed anywhere from 60 - 100 pounds.

A Get Home Bag, one you'll carry in the trunk of your car or keep in your office or apartment in the city, as well as one you should consider giving to your children and even your elderly parents.

Compared to a Bug Out Bag, a Get Home Bag is much smaller, light weight, and will allow you to evacuate an area and not slow you down. The Get Home Bag is made for people who need to get somewhere in a hurry and want to make do with the least amount of supplies as possible.

Mine changes as the seasons change.During the winter, I put in a few extra warm type objects; extra thick socks, hand warmers and extra gloves. My GHB is designed for one purpose; to get home. Unless on vacation or at my land, I am never too far away from home. No more than a day or two away when on foot.

I have a couple of small street maps in mine in case I find myself traveling around the inner parts of Buffalo. I have multiple routes to get home, some safer than others. I have a second handgun in my bag as well. Some cash in smaller bills I think is a must.

Drinkthekoolaid · Dec 27, 2016

These are really interesting topics and things I'm thinking more of.

Where I work to home is around 20 miles and maybe 500,000 people in between.

I have young kids and we frequently take day trips. If per say we get stranded 75 miles away from home it will be much more challenging to get them home.

I would say a regular average adult should be able to slowly plod their way along 20-25 miles in a day. With young kids I think that drops to around maybe 3-7 miles a day Depending on their age, ability, mood and how much you can carry them and your gear that day.

Thinking of the actual circumstances may change how you plan or what you have with you.

The thing that somewhat scared me is how just a few years ago I was so ignorant and all over the place without even so much as the most basic of supplies just for myself. Thankfully I am much more aware now.

A few things I have in my get homebag...

A lifestraw
An empty 1 liter sports water bottle
Survival food
First aid kid with added items
Extra wool socks
Schemag/recon wrap
Goggles
Hat
Gloves
Rain gear
Multiple lighters and fire starters
Multi tool
Etc..

GOPerfect · Dec 27, 2016

Drinkthekoolaid said:
These are really interesting topics and things I'm thinking more of.

Where I work to home is around 20 miles and maybe 500,000 people in between.

I have young kids and we frequently take day trips. If per say we get stranded 75 miles away from home it will be much more challenging to get them home.

I would say a regular average adult should be able to slowly plod their way along 20-25 miles in a day. With young kids I think that drops to around maybe 3-7 miles a day Depending on their age, ability, mood and how much you can carry them and your gear that day.

Thinking of the actual circumstances may change how you plan or what you have with you.

The thing that somewhat scared me is how just a few years ago I was so ignorant and all over the place without even so much as the most basic of supplies just for myself. Thankfully I am much more aware now.

A few things I have in my get homebag...

A lifestraw
An empty 1 liter sports water bottle
Survival food
First aid kid with added items
Extra wool socks
Schemag/recon wrap
Goggles
Hat
Gloves
Rain gear
Multiple lighters and fire starters
Multi tool
Etc..

The funny thing is, once you begin to be aware of possibilities, it is rather easy to fill in the blanks. Some of the smallest things are the best to have.

nfernaays · Dec 27, 2016

Phauxtoe said:
I work in the middle of Manhattan, and was there for both 9/11 and the blackout.
I was lucky enough to have driven both those days. I know my way around upper manhattan and the Bronx because of a past job. I had no issue getting staying off the highways.

So I am thinking, it's just not a walk in the woods!
Without a car, it's a minimum of 2-3 days away walking. Two points to cross are the GW bridge and the TZ bridge.

I can't give to much advise as I have never lived in a large city or even been to NYC to be honest but I think the most important thing would to have a few designated routes out of there if SHTF. Survival chances go up exponentially further from huge population centers you are in a SHTF situation.

nfernaays · Dec 27, 2016

Not sure of the type of work you do Phautoe, but is bugging in an option? Hold up somewhere until the time is right to head home? Different kind of prep list with that situation.

Magnus · Dec 27, 2016

Your get home bag is going to be BIG! I packed an inflatable boat and electric motor into my wife's car. She laughs and calls me insane, but one day the roads may not be an option. If you're planning on walking, socks and good shoes. Defense weapons. Food and Fire. Protection for any type of weather. Raggedy outer wear to make you look like a homeless person. That's all of compartment 1 in my get home bag lol.

Blimey · Dec 27, 2016

Drinkthekoolaid said:
These are really interesting topics and things I'm thinking more of.

Where I work to home is around 20 miles and maybe 500,000 people in between.

I have young kids and we frequently take day trips. If per say we get stranded 75 miles away from home it will be much more challenging to get them home.

I would say a regular average adult should be able to slowly plod their way along 20-25 miles in a day. With young kids I think that drops to around maybe 3-7 miles a day Depending on their age, ability, mood and how much you can carry them and your gear that day.

Thinking of the actual circumstances may change how you plan or what you have with you.

The thing that somewhat scared me is how just a few years ago I was so ignorant and all over the place without even so much as the most basic of supplies just for myself. Thankfully I am much more aware now.

A few things I have in my get homebag...

A lifestraw
An empty 1 liter sports water bottle
Survival food
First aid kid with added items
Extra wool socks
Schemag/recon wrap
Goggles
Hat
Gloves
Rain gear
Multiple lighters and fire starters
Multi tool
Etc..

I like that, but might I recommend you swap that water bottle with a water bladder instead. You can get a tough one that takes up less room and could be a gallon in capacity.

Pepper spray is also legal in NY (I think in NYC too but not sure), and would be a good addition to one of those, though I personally keep a can in the car in the center console anyway.

A survival sleeping bag isn't a bad idea, or at least emergency blankets (the latter being super cheap and take up no room).

speedkills27 · Dec 27, 2016

Recently loaded a "get home/emergency" bag for my wife. She works 60 miles from home one way so i dont expect her to walk home, but its full of stuff in case she gets stranded in a storm or has to stay at the office. Some of the inventory includes but not limited to: 2 days worth of food, multiple fire sources, empty Nalgeen bottles, extra socks, extra gloves, extra outer layer/hoodie,multiple knives, multi tool, extra set of boots, and a cell phone charger. All this is in a designated bag to supplement the stuff already in the car like a blanket first, aid kit, and jumper cables.

JaguarJaguarGolf · Dec 27, 2016

I grew up in downtown Manhattan and because of the cold war and cuban missle crisis I started thinking about how to get out of Manhattan. It all boiled down to how to get over the Hudson. I never had access to a boat, and inflatables were still too heavy back then, not to mention a bottle of compressed air to make the inflation quick. I'd need a wheelbarrow also to get the stuff to a shoreline. When I got off active duty I figured I could swim the Hudson in warm weather, and I kept swim fins and a waterproof bag, and swam several days a week for an hour at a time. One night a buddy and I swam to the Statue of Liberty with his 8 and 9 year old sons escorting us in small boat with an outboard motor. At high tide the water is pretty clean, low tide is discusting. My buddy, who still lives in my old building down by the east river with his wife, has two small inflatable rafts to get out of manhattan. He said he almost used it during Sandy because the neighborhood was seriously flooded.

Always remember two things about crossing the Hudson, it will always bring you down stream to the NY Harbor, and it gets narrower the further north you go. If you can't get across the Hudson immediately down in NYC, head north. If the bridges are closed by decree or militia you might have a better luck getting across way up north if you must swim in warmer weather or buy passage from someone with a boat who is willing to smuggle you across. You've got to be lucky. You will not get across a guarded bridge.

When I worked in midtown until 2008 I figured if I had to get across the river up north it might take me 5 weeks to get home to Orange County. Remember you are hiding during the day and only moving at night. It would suck. Hiking boots, wool blanket, poncho, a couple of small gold coins, wedding ring, watch etc., to buy passage.

If you or a family member have a boat, or a really good friend with a boat, make some kind of plan to get you across the Hudson, portable radios, times to listen and transmit, meeting sites by days since event, etc. Scout out some remote launching and pickup sites on both sides of the river. Figure out where you can hide the boat because you might have to, marinas could be closed. A canoe will get you across . Figure out how you are not going to get your boat stolen. If the boat owner has the moxy, he could probably make some good coin smuggling people across the river.

nfernaays · Dec 28, 2016

I wonder if perhaps an inflatable might work for crossing the Hudson...obviously would depend on the conditions and location.

Inflatable Boats, Inflatable Kayaks, Inflatable SUPs and Inflatable Boat Accessories from SeaEagle.com

These appear to be small enough to pack away and it states on the site that some of the smaller kayaks inflate/assemble in 6 mins!

Drinkthekoolaid · Dec 28, 2016

If I had a longer daily commute or was frequently far from home on work travel or whatever I would seriously consider getting some type of fold up bike to keep in the trunk. probably not super cool to just ride around on, but as a practical tool to get you home A lengthy distance it would sure beat walking,

Portable & Folding Bikes

nfernaays · Dec 28, 2016

A possible idea, rented storage unit near the river. EDC to your storage unit where your preps await and have the time and security to assemble and last minute game plan (gather Intel). Then move on to cross the river.

nfernaays · Dec 28, 2016

Drinkthekoolaid said:
If I had a longer daily commute or was frequently far from home on work travel or whatever I would seriously consider getting some type of fold up bike to keep in the trunk. probably not super cool to just ride around on, but as a practical tool to get you home A lengthy distance it would sure beat walking,

Portable & Folding Bikes

This is a good idea, I found this article...worth checking out.

Prepper Problem Solving - Creating a Bug Out Bike and Trailer Rig - The Prepper Journal

Cooolone · Dec 28, 2016

Good reading and information... One thing I will share, as from experience with exiting Manhattan during a few crisis and it may counter some thinking/preparation.

When there is a milestone event, and unless there is some need which will anchor you (family or service), it is the utmost importance to "MOVE" at once. The time and need for stealth or measured movement is not in the moments of chaos which accompany the immediate aftermath. That is a time to create as much distance as quickly as possible. One problem I see is even the Get me Home bag... That too, even while small can draw attention. I like small, even smaller, a money belt type pac, can hold coin, first aid, thermo blanket, water tablets, etc., certainly enough for a day or two travel. Everything else in your pockets, anything worth losing...

Just my thoughts...
: )

Magnus · Dec 28, 2016

How to Build a Get Home Bag - The Prepper Journal

This was a good read.

Marine Cpl · Dec 28, 2016

I too work in Manhattan and live about 60 miles away. My plan is to take the next train out. If that is not possible, while everyone is scrambling, I will walk the Metro North tracks and avoid the crowds. Once out of the city, I will try to find a ride whether it be paying someone to drive me as far as they can or buying or stealing a bicycle. One way or another, that 20 hour walking trip will be done in half the time if possible.

I have a get home bag. One MRE, a bag of nuts, a canteen cup, balaclava, gloves, thermals, survival straw, crude first aid kit, Hydration Bladder, marpat poncho, foil type emergency sleeping bag, hammock with mosquito netting, 550 cord, 100 mph tape, multitool, flashlight, baofeng radio programmed to monitor public safety frequencies, candle, money, and other odds and ends.

reinhardt · Dec 30, 2016

nfernaays said:
Not sure of the type of work you do Phautoe, but is bugging in an option? Hold up somewhere until the time is right to head home? Different kind of prep list with that situation.

All office buildings in Manhattan MUST have plans in place, approved by the FDNY for dealing with emergencies. Each emergency is unique and requires a different response. For instance if there was a chemical released in the air near where you work, the last thing you want to do is go outside. In fact building security would probably stop you from leaving as opening a door could allow the substance into the building, endangering all building occupants. Same for a major civil disturbance/riot where there are roving bands of individuals out to do harm.
During the blackout of 03, you could leave your workplace or stay. Also remember that what you can or can't do is also determined by the civil authorities. The day after 9/11 most of lower Manhattan was off limits and even getting below 59th street required explaining to the police why you needed to.
After 9/11 i ditched the briefcase and used a backpack to carry some emergency supplies. Most workers do that now. Briefcases, at least in Manhattan are very rare now.

Blimey · Dec 30, 2016

Willjr75 said:
I too work in Manhattan and live about 60 miles away. My plan is to take the next train out. If that is not possible, while everyone is scrambling, I will walk the Metro North tracks and avoid the crowds. Once out of the city, I will try to find a ride whether it be paying someone to drive me as far as they can or buying or stealing a bicycle. One way or another, that 20 hour walking trip will be done in half the time if possible.

I have a get home bag. One MRE, a bag of nuts, a canteen cup, balaclava, gloves, thermals, survival straw, crude first aid kit, Hydration Bladder, marpat poncho, foil type emergency sleeping bag, hammock with mosquito netting, 550 cord, 100 mph tape, multitool, flashlight, baofeng radio programmed to monitor public safety frequencies, candle, money, and other odds and ends.

You need pepper spray, too

As for a fold up bike, cheaper and not bad would just be a $25 razor scooter. Keep it in the trunk. Useless on flat of course but if you have a lot of hills you now don't have to work to descend any of them, and you can carry it wherever.

Marine Cpl · Dec 30, 2016

Blimey said:
You need pepper spray, too

As for a fold up bike, cheaper and not bad would just be a $25 razor scooter. Keep it in the trunk. Useless on flat of course but if you have a lot of hills you now don't have to work to descend any of them, and you can carry it wherever.

I commute into the city via train so a bike will be cumbersome.

Drinkthekoolaid · Dec 30, 2016

This might fall more under bug out than get home but decent advice I think.

Prepping Beyond Your Bug Out Bag – 3 Practical Tips

Cleck · Dec 30, 2016

I have a small but expanding bag now. Right now has a mix of my stuff and my CERT stuff. So I have lights, water, heavy duty gloves, wrench for shutting off utilities, paper/pencil, knife, multitool, fire supplies, bivy, small batch of med supplies incl an N95 mask and gloves, field guide, road maps/atlas. Need to add in a bit more high calorie foods, spare sunglasses, walking shoes or boots if I don't have suitable stuff on that day, hat, ammo for whatever pistol I may stash/carry, flares, etc. I work about 11 miles from home.

Drinkthekoolaid · Dec 30, 2016

Phauxtoe said:
hey does anyone know if its illegal to have a small quantity of ammo in your get home bag
even if you dont have the firearm?

just incase you came across a discarded weapon in a SHTF thing?

Lol hope not...I may have some .22lr with mine

Marine Cpl · Dec 30, 2016

Phauxtoe said:
were you working in the city for 911 or the black out?

Yes. But I drove in at the time. I worked out of the upper Manhattan then so it didn't really effect me.

Now I work in Midtown so I have to take the train.

Cleck · Dec 31, 2016

Why would it be illegal? It's just ammo.

Get Home Bag

.338 Win Mag

.45 acp

.950 JDJ

.475 A&M Magnum

.950 JDJ

.338 Win Mag

.45 acp

.45 acp

6.5 Creedmoor

.450/400 Nitro Ex

6.5 Creedmoor

6.5 Creedmoor

.45 acp

.475 A&M Magnum

.45 acp

.45 acp

.338 Win Mag

6.5 Creedmoor

.577 Tyrannosaur.

.40 S&W

.450/400 Nitro Ex

.577 Tyrannosaur.

.475 A&M Magnum

.338 Win Mag

.308 Win

.338 Win Mag

.475 A&M Magnum

.577 Tyrannosaur.

.308 Win

.338 Win Mag