Maximizing Preparedness: Combining the Get Home Bag and Car Box

When it comes to real-world emergency preparedness, two essential items stand out: the "Get Home Bag" and the "Car Box." These two components are often treated separately, but when combined strategically, they can significantly enhance your preparedness for unexpected situations. In this article, we'll explore how these two kits can work together seamlessly to keep you safe and well-equipped during emergencies.

The Get Home Bag: Your Lifeline on Foot

First, let's clarify the primary purpose of the Get Home Bag (GHB). It's designed to help you "get home on foot" when you're far away from your base location. So, if you ever find yourself stranded or far from home, your GHB is your lifeline to get back safely. 

Now, consider this: you probably traveled to your current location in your car. This logically implies that your Car Box can serve as a temporary base of operations before you embark on a journey to get home. Additionally, you can customize your GHB based on the supplies you already have in your car, optimizing its functionality.

Don't Abandon Your Vehicle Just Yet

It's essential to remember that in many situations, you might not need to abandon your vehicle. The Car Box and GHB can complement each other effectively. Your Car Box can act as a resource hub, supplying essential items that can enhance your GHB's effectiveness. You can resupply or reconfigure your GHB from the Car Box if needed, ensuring you're well-prepared.

Moreover, keep in mind that your car might already contain some useful items, such as spare tires, toolboxes, jumper cables, and even comfort items like blankets. If you regularly carry your GHB in your car, you can make on-the-spot adjustments based on the specific emergency situation you encounter.

Strategic Food Storage

While your Car Box may contain some non-perishable food items designed for long-term storage, your GHB might include perishable food items. If you're uncomfortable keeping perishables in your car due to temperature fluctuations, you can remove your GHB when you arrive home. This ensures that your food remains fresh and usable. The Car Box can serve as your primary source of sustenance, with items like dried pasta that can withstand extreme temperature ranges.

Emergency Roadside Service and Base of Operations

Think of your Car Box as a collection of gear designed to provide emergency roadside service and serve as an emergency base of operations. Together with your GHB, you have enough supplies to sustain yourself comfortably for over two weeks, as long as you have access to a water source.

The GHB acts as a transition bag, allowing items that could be damaged from extreme temperatures, like camp stove fuel and certain foods, to remain outside of the car until needed. In the event you must abandon your vehicle, you can repack the GHB with the necessary gear for your journey.

Understanding the Equipment Lists

To manage these two kits effectively, categorize your gear into three lists:

• Car Gear: These are items permanently stored in your car, distributed throughout the vehicle. They include tools for field repairs, such as a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and more.
• Car Box: This contains long-term storage items designed to remain in your car. It includes essential equipment like fire-starting tools, water containers, sleeping rolls or blankets, cooking utensils, clothing, tarps, and various other items.
• Get Home Bag: These are items carried to and from the car each time you drive. These items will not stay in the car overnight and can be adjusted based on the emergency situation you face.

The Car Pantry: A Separate Box

Consider having a separate container for your car pantry to minimize potential damage due to extreme temperatures. This extra precaution can help preserve your emergency supplies.

Lastly, don't forget to toss in a deck of cards or any other form of entertainment. Boredom can be a significant enemy during survival situations, and a little distraction can go a long way.

Tailoring for Winter

Depending on your location, consider creating a Winter Supplement kit. Include items like an ice scraper, winter clothing, gloves, and tire chains—essentials that are crucial during colder months and can be temporarily removed during the summer.

Additional design considerations

When designing your actual Get Home Bag, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Hiking Expectations: Depending on terrain and your fitness level, plan for an average of 6-10 miles of hiking per day. Factor in 8 hours for hiking, 8 hours for campsite activities, and 8 hours for sleep.  Test your skill and endurance--find out what your range truly is.
2. Medical and First Aid: Ensure your bag contains adequate first aid equipment and any necessary medications for your family.
3. Food Supplies: Check the expiration dates and spoilage potential of your food supply.
4. Shelter: Test your shelter's setup, ensuring you can erect it in under two minutes and comfortably sleep in it.
5. Communication: A separate AM/FM radio with solar and crank charging capabilities can be a lifesaver.

By combining your Get Home Bag and Car Box strategically, you'll be better equipped to handle emergencies and navigate unexpected situations, no matter where you are. Preparedness is key, and these two kits working in harmony can make all the difference when it counts the most.