More Bugs

I have been chided by several readers to get on with it regarding the BIB and its contents. Apparently they're putting theirs together and need to know what's next...because I've been slack (read busy) I'll include two items.

Here goes...

I have a small AM/FM radio in mine and batteries for it. Cell phones were as much use as an emergency brake in a kayak during 9/11. In a real disaster, imagine for example a nuclear power plant going bust, information is your friend. The government should be broadcasting alerts and evacuation routes and so on. You can pick one of these up from Radio shack or Target for under fifteen bucks.

In the same light you might consider a cheap pair of walkie talkies. Years ago they were the size of a large house brick, weighed as much and cost a fortune. You can buy sets for families now to use in the mall and while hiking etc. They are the size of a deck of cards, weigh next to nothing and are incredibly cheap.

Now, if you're bugging in yourself you may never use them. What if there's a group of you however? What if one of you is wounded and the other is going to go a few floors up to try and get help? What if you decide to explore different ways out of somewhere and need to remain in contact. The uses are endless so if you've got room - and that will depend on how big you want to make this - definitely consider a set.

PS: I've had one reader ask about a bare bones kit because he needs something to stick in his lap top bag. I'll tackle this one as soon as I've got through all the other items but keep in mind food and shelter as primaries. You'd be amazed at what you can cram in a small space by the way. One of my body guard instructors, the great Lofty Weismann of 22SAS fame and the author of the "Survival Book" keeps a survival kit on him at all times that fits in a tobacco tin. I'll take some pics of the one he gave me sometime and post them on here.