Putting Together an INCH Bag For a Child
Kevin Felts 04.13.18
Readers may be wondering what an INCH bag is. INCH is an acronym for “I am NEVER Coming Home.” So an INCH bag is kind of like a bug out bag but with the idea of there may not be a home to go back to.
Some preppers talk about INCH bags in the context of an all out collapse, which is on the extreme end of the scale. Chances are the family will be fleeing a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, wildfire, or after an earthquake. Because of that, let’s talk about realistic situations.
When my family was dealing with Hurricanes Ike and Rita, I wanted my youngest children to stay comfortable, and keep their minds occupied. In all honesty, I did not know if we were going to have a home to go back to as Hurricane Rita made a direct hit on my location.
Comfort
This could be anything which provides physical or emotional comfort:
- Blanket.
- Pillow (small one).
- Teddy bear.
- Snacks.
- Drinks.
Some police officers carry stuffed animals in the back of their patrol cars, and then give children the animal after an accident. It provides a form of physical and emotional comfort. Children above a certain age may scoff at the idea of a stuffed animal, but most of us look for a pillow and blanket when we are tired.
Favorite snacks and drinks, even a juice box can provide emotional comfort.
Mental Activities
Depending on age, this could include:
- Coloring books.
- Reading books.
- Video games.
- Smart phone.
- Board games.
- Playing cards.
- MP3 players
- Puzzles.
Anything which would help keep the mind occupied and off the situation.
When my family and I were sheltering during Hurricane Rita, my daughter was given coloring books. My daughter and her cousin (who is near her age) played together while a Category Three hurricane was making landfall.
Things went well during Hurricane Rita until a sign blew off a store near us and slammed into the building we were in. When that happened, attention was brought to the storm. It sounded like part of the building had collapsed, but everything was okay. After some reassurance to the kids that everything was okay, things returned to normal.
Hurricane Ike was pretty much the same.
Other Suggestions For an INCH Bag
- Childs Identification.
- Contact phone numbers for parents and relatives written on paper.
- Birth certificate.
- Cell phone charger.
- Cell phone / USB battery pack.
- List of allergies, medicines, special needs written on paper and in the pack.
- Cash.
- Hygiene kit – toiletries, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, paper towels, hand sanitizer… etc.
- Small family picture album.
- School year book.
Final Thoughts
Some preppers may talk about water filters, food, a bug out stove, the typical survival gear list. In this article we are talking about children. We should also address real world situations. Chances are a family will be leaving their home due to a natural disaster, and hopefully will have somewhere to go.
Even if the family ends up sleeping in their car, truck, SUV, the list still applies. Keep the kids comfortable, keep them occupied, remind them they are safe and loved, and everything usually turns out okay.
