Although I don't have a bug-out bag per se, I do try to keep some emergency cash on hand in case of disaster or if my ex- finally succeeds in having be thrown in jail on a baseless charge. At first I had $500 in $50 bills because that made for a small package, but then I got to thinking – what about change in a disaster situation? Fifties aren’t all that handy. I have revised the mix to include $100 worth of $20s, but am curious what kind of mix others have with their emergency cash.

You're right about the mix. After earthquakes I've found that some places will still stay open, but it's cash and maybe no change or maybe checks are OK. So I have mostly $1.00 and $5.00 bills with some $20.00. Remember no power means no Banks, ATM's, cash registers or gas stations and most large markets will close. After the Loma Prieta quake I know people that drove about 50 miles to find a working ATM. ( and get gas, ice, food,water, clean up supplies, batteries, etc)

I agree with a mix of small bills. I have mostly 1's, 5's and 10's. Usually about $100. In addition, I also keep 3 rolls of gold dollars....mostly because I find I do not spend them...paper money is so tempting to "borrow" for a bit. The gold dollars are heavy but I still have them where right now I have "borrowed" the folding cash.

After the Northridge quake some local merchants held the public hostage with grossly inflated prices. While your paying cash, get a receipt( even hand written) and make a note of the time,date and location. On the positive side, my local Sikhe owned convenience store ( my area was unaffected, short of a power failure the first day) gave me 5 gallons of bottled water for my grandmother. Again, create a community in good times and it's there during the bad.

3 rolls? Don't advertise stuff like that! You may find yourself with just a bag of green candy and no starbucks! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Of course I was planning on buying ice, not bailing myself out !!

As you point out, merchants might not have much change ... so my BOB contains 5x$50 bills, 5x$20, 10x$10, 5x$5, 25x$1, and a $10 roll of quarters. And to discourage myself from "borrowing" the emergency money, I've sealed the bills into a small envelope -- it's easy to rip open but makes for a decent psychological barrier against raiding the BOB unnecessarily.

Where did you say you lived, and which way is it you walk home?

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Working with the fire department when we travel to help other jurisdictions, they recommend $100 to $300 dollars in ones and fives. We have to keep all receipts.

Ah, but I don't plan on carrying my BOB unless I'm really getting the heck out of Dodge ... and in any event, I stay away from dark alleyways and deserted streets!