One morning, you are on your way to work, sitting in your normal area; the 2^nd to last car, on the commuter light rail. You enter the only section of underground that lasts for about 8 minutes as you pass through a mountain into the city. First, the interior lights go out, no big deal, it happens all the time, right? At first the train slows, you realize they lost power. Again, no big deal, until the emergency brakes are applied and the entire train is shuttering. Once stopped, you realize the train is still shaking violently up and down. You’ve never been through one before, but this must be an earthquake!

Each day, on average, we spend more than 12 hours away from home, at work or commuting to work. Most times, events happens when you least expect it, and least convenient. A bug out bag usually has everything you will need for 3 days or longer. If you’re really prepared, it’ll have a heavy knife, possibly even a side arm. These types of items have no place on a commuter train and need to stay in your BOB.

What you wear and a get home bag will increase your chances of survival. Many jobs these days will allow you to wear business casual attire to the office. This will allow for some simple wardrobe changes that will increase survivability in unsuitable conditions. Not everyone can wear blue jeans and boots, nor would many want to!  However, with some thought you can integrate your survival attire into your work clothes. Most people who commute today have a laptop bag; generally a backpack. These backpacks are underutilized and have plenty of room for what you need to carry.

If you follow the rule of 3’s, you can only go 3 hours without warmth and shelter. Start with your shoes. If your attire allows for it, stop wearing the light soled, Italian leather, dress shoes or high heals that you paid incredibly too much money for. If there’s an earthquake, there could be a lot of debris; light dress shoes won’t do you any good and may be uncomfortable to walk for several miles in. Remember, you may have to walk home. There are many duty type shoes and boots that are sharp enough for the office, yet have a more rugged build for that long hike back home over rough terrain. If you can’t wear them every day, make sure you pack them in your GHB.

Next, I can’t stress this enough, is gloves and a jacket or wind breaker, depending on your climate. During the warm months, these provide some additional protection and could be the difference between you and an infected wound. An infection can be dangerous enough without a crisis and fatal during or shortly after one. For additional warmth, throw in 2 or 3 emergency blankets and some way to start a fire. They don’t take up much room, are lightweight, provide warmth and can provide shelter from rain and snow.

Moving up the chain of 3’s, is water. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to test the 3 day theory. I carry a single walled stainless steel bottle with me all the time. A single wall allows you to use your water bottle over a fire to boil water. Boiling water, in combination with water purification tablets can keep you going for a long time.

Last of the rule of 3’s is food. I keep a couple of protein bars in my pack. Again, they don’t take up much room and will give you the energy you need for your trek home.  There are a lot of different ones out there today and you just need to choose which one you like best. The key thing is to look for the highest amount of proteins.

Other items I include in my GHB are:

• Flashlight or head lamp for dark areas or night fall. Don’t forget to pack spare batteries.
• Cyalume chemlights: For longer light use. Some will last for up to 12 hours.
• Change of socks: You are going to be moving a lot. Spare socks will spare blisters.
• Knife/multi tool: These are items you don’t leave home without, but keep in mind where you live. Local laws may not allow you to carry a heavy bladed knife, but you can usually get by with just a multi tool.
• Crank radio AM/FM/Weather: you will want to stay apprized of any events while you are moving.
• CB or FRS radio: When you get in range of home or friends, you will need a way to contact them. Cell services may be hindered.
• Duct tape: best invention ever!
• Map(s) and compass: You may not be familiar with certain sections of town if you travel on subways or trains. No sense in getting lost now. Mark out where your friends live and work, coordinate your routes. Remember, FIMA isn’t coming anytime soon and the local emergency staff will be inundated with calls; there is safety in numbers.
• Small, basic first aid kit.
• Daily meds: keep a few days worth; include some pain relievers too.
• Ziplock bags: keeps things dry and organized.

Source:surviveourcollapse.com