Why Do I Need A Get Me Home Bag?

A “Get Me Home Bag” helps you return home safely in the event of an emergency. It’s different from a bug-out bag. You’re not evacuating. You’re heading home. Build your Get Me Home Bag around your commute distance, location, and likely threats. Think of weather, civil unrest, or a power outage.

You need a Get Me Home Bag because emergencies rarely give warnings.

Disasters can strike while you’re away from home. Power outages. Severe weather. Gridlock. Civil unrest. You might be stuck without public transport. Your car might not start. Roads might be blocked.

Your goal: get home safely.

Here’s why a Get Me Home Bag matters:

• You spend hours away from home. Work, errands, travel—you’re not always nearby. Can you walk back if needed?
• Emergencies disrupt regular routines. Phones die. ATMs go offline. Stores close. You can’t rely on usual comforts.
• Most people aren’t prepared. Waiting for help isn’t always an option. A Get Me Home Bag gives you control.

Imagine these scenarios:

• You’re 15 miles from home. A massive blackout hits. Traffic lights fail. Gas stations shut down. You have to walk.
• A chemical spill blocks the freeway. You’re forced to leave your car. Your shoes aren’t made for walking.
• A storm floods your city. Cell networks go down. You need to navigate unfamiliar streets on foot, in the rain.

Would you be ready?

A Get Me Home Bag gives you options.

• Water when there’s none
• Food when stores are closed
• Shoes made for walking
• Weather protection
• Basic medical care
• Tools to get through roadblocks or detours

Your Get Me Home Bag bridges the gap between unprepared and safe.

You’re not planning to survive off-grid. You’re planning to get from point A to point B—alive, safe, and in control.

Ask yourself:

• How far am I from home during the day?
• What risks are common in my area?
• Can I rely on public systems when they fail?
• Can I walk home with what I have right now?

If the answer is no, it’s time to build your Get Me Home Bag.

One small backpack can make a huge difference when things go wrong.

Start with a durable backpack

• Choose something you can carry comfortably for hours
• Avoid tactical-looking bags; blend in
• Keep it small enough to stash in your car or under your desk

Pack water and ways to purify it

• 1–2 bottles of water
• Collapsible bottle for refills
• A water filter like a Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw
• Purification tablets as a backup

Add compact, calorie-dense food

• Energy bars, jerky, trail mix
• No need to pack meals
• Choose food that won’t melt or spoil in your car

Bring walking gear

• Broken-in walking shoes, if you wear office shoes daily
• Spare socks
• Weather-appropriate hat and gloves
• A rain poncho or a lightweight jacket

Carry a basic first aid kit

• Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
• Blister care (moleskin or band-aids)
• Small trauma supplies if your area has higher risks

Include tools and gear

• Multi-tool with blade, pliers, and screwdriver
• Flashlight with extra batteries or a headlamp
• Power bank for your phone
• USB charging cable
• Lighter and waterproof matches
• A pen and a small notebook
• Paracord or strong cordage

Add items for navigation and communication

• Printed map of your area and routes home
• Compass
• List of emergency contacts on paper
• Small AM/FM radio

Think about personal protection

• Pepper spray
• Sturdy stick or baton
• If licensed and trained, a concealed carry weapon

Know the laws in your area. Don’t carry what you can’t legally use.

Pack for hygiene and comfort

• Wet wipes
• Travel-size toothpaste and brush
• Toilet paper or tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses

Adapt the contents to your environment

• Cold climate? Add gloves, a beanie, and a thermal blanket
• Hot climate? Add sunscreen and electrolyte tablets
• Urban area? Think about blending in and avoiding crowds
• Rural area? You may need more navigation tools and time

Keep it ready, keep it with you

• Check your bag every season
• Rotate water and snacks
• Test your gear periodically
• Know your walking routes

Ask yourself:

• How far can I realistically walk in a day?
• What obstacles might I face on foot?
• What if it’s dark or raining?
• Who do I need to get home to?

Your Get Me Home Bag is peace of mind in a small pack. You may never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad it’s ready. Keep it close. Don’t overpack. Focus on mobility. Stay calm, stay smart, and get home.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

These steps ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to safety and preparedness.