Don't Set-and-Forget Your Supplies
We've all heard the saying "Out of sight, out of mind."
This is a very dangerous mind-set when it comes to your bug out bag(s).
It's important to make sure you check your kits on a regular basis to make sure your supplies are still usable. Here are some of the items you need to check on:
Check all food items to make sure they aren't past their expiration dates or starting to go bad.
Batteries should be replaced periodically, even if they haven't been used. When I buy new batteries for the house, I put the new batteries in the bags and take the old batteries out and use them. This ensures I always have fresh batteries in the bags. Never store batteries in the devices you plan on using them in.
Glow sticks need to be replaced periodically.
Baby wipes will dry out, even if you haven't opened the package.
First aid supplies should be checked to make sure they're OK.
Prescription medicine should be cycled into and out of your bag so it doesn't get outdated.
Check the bags themselves for signs of wear and tear.
Hand and foot warmers can also expire and lose effectiveness.
Crank radios have internal batteries that can die. A radio with a dead internal battery will work while it's being cranked, but will die shortly after you stop cranking it.
You should seek to review the contents of your bags every six months at a bare minimum. Any less than this is taking a big risk.
I personally check the contents of my bags every three months. It only takes a couple hours and gives me peace of mind knowing things are in working order and ready to go.
I can't stress this one enough. Do not forget to check your bags. It's easy to build or buy a bag and put it away, then forget about it for years on end. This can actually be more dangerous than not having a bag at all.
Here's a scenario that explains why.
You grab your bag and assume you have everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours in the bag. You set off into the wilderness to head to your safe location. This is a trek you've made before and know it'll take about two and a half days.
You hike at a brisk pace for 10 hours before you decide to set up camp. You grab one of your rations and open it only to find it's covered in mold. You frantically check the rest of your rations to find they're also in various states of decomposition.
Now you've got two options. Attempt to hunt your food down or go back and try to track down the supplies you need to make it through to your destination. Depending on the area you're traversing, there may not be any wild game available. If you've got family members with you, it's going to be even more difficult.
You've placed yourself in the middle of nowhere with your family with no food.
If you didn't have bags packed, you would have had to take the time to gather supplies, but at least you would have set off into the wilderness knowing the supplies you took with you were good.
A BOB that's been packed and left unchecked for years is more dangerous than not having one at all. You're playing Russian roulette with your well-being if you're not checking your gear at least once every six months.