EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: What is a Bug Out Bag?

DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Office of Emergency Management announced that he would give Bug out bags to help people prepare to respond to emergencies as part of National preparation month.

The event will take place on September 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College View Recreation Center.

Several YouTube videos have circulated since Denver OEM announced the giveaway.

Conspiracy theorists said Denver is distributing the bags because city officials know or expect disaster to occur in the city. Denver OEM released a statement and said the conspiracies are just “dumb rumors.”

What is a Bug Out Bag?

A Bug Out Bag is a bag you can have ready to go in the event of a disaster or emergency.

According to United States Department of Homeland Securitythese are things you should have in your bag or kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a multi-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery or crank radio and NOAA weather radio with tone alert
• Flash light
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to call for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheets and adhesive tape (for shelter in place)
• Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal hygiene)
• Wrench or pliers (for disable utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Mobile phone with chargers and backup battery
• Masks (for everyone from 2 years old), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription drugs. About half of all Americans take a prescription drug every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
• Over-the-counter medications such as painkillers, antidiarrheals, antacids, or laxatives
• Prescription glasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or travelers checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, IDs, and bank account statements stored electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothes adapted to your climate and solid shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Kitchen kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The DHS also says you should have multiple kits; one for your home, one for your car, and one for your job, because emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere and at any time.