Go bags, also known as bug-out bags, are bags or bins filled with essentials like food, water, and medical supplies that are ready to grab and go in case of emergency. When natural disaster strikes the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to get supplies like food & water. Having the essentials ready could help relieve some panic and anxiety and let you focus instead on keeping calm, keeping safe, and getting through.
The thing is that go bags can vary based on what disaster is most common in your area ( hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, etc.) and even by the members of your households or what pets you have. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to go bags but there are some items that every go bag should have regardless of who you are, where you live, or if you’re a cat or dog person.
1. First Aid Kit
Being medically prepared is extremely important during an emergency, so pack an extensive first aid kit. If you’re using a kit already in the house, be sure to check that nothing’s missing before packing. Also include personal medical items like prescription medication, EpiPens, and inhalers. It’s a good idea to pack some masks as well, especially in the era of Covid.
2. Food & Water
How much food and water and types of food can vary depending on what you anticipate your emergency situation to be. Maybe it’ll just be a night or two at a hotel with access to food in water. In that case make sure to have some of the food listed below like protein bars, just in case.
The general rule, however, is to have three-days worth for each person in your household. Water is measured as one gallon per-person per-day. All food should be non-perishable. Some food suggestions: canned food (meat, vegetables, fruits), protein bars, dry cereal and other non-perishable foods that don’t require cooking or water (if you anticipate having limited access to water or heat sources). If you have pets you should be packing food and water for them too.
3. Phone Chargers & Batteries
Every go bag needs some fully-charged backup batteries and phone chargers in case you have limited or no power. Load up and pack them in your bag and maybe get some extra for everyday use so you’re not tempted to grab one from your emergency bag and then forget to replace it.
4. Flash Light & Batteries
Whether you anticipate being without power or not, bring a flashlight because you really never know. Better safe than sorry and don’t forget some spare batteries!
5. Spare Keys
Remember when I used “better safe than sorry '' a mere sentence ago? Well it applies here too. Even if you don’t anticipate a disaster damaging your house or apartment, in the rush and chaos of finding oneself in a state of emergency things will get lost and the last thing you need is to get through the mess and then be locked out of your home.
6. Cash
We're all used to paying for everything by card or with the taps of our phones but in a disaster electronic payment devices could be down. So take out some cash, preferably in small bills, and pack it.
7. Important Documents & Contact List
Make copies of all your important and identifying documents. In case of an emergency having access to these files, like medical records and insurance policies, will help mitigate some stress and streamline finding resolution.
While you have that pouch out, you should also get out some pen and paper, go through your phone’s contact list, and write down all your important numbers. I suggest highlighting any that should be contacted in case of emergency.
8. Clothing
In prepping for an emergency your focus is going to be on essentials like medical supplies, food, and water but don’t forget clothing. You don’t know how when you’ll be able to go home so pack some spare clothes and make them comfortable.
9. Entertainment
You could be held up in a shelter or hotels for hours or days, bring some things to keep busy with like books, games, cards etc.
10. Hand Crank Radio
The power situation is often an unknown factor and even if your phone is fully charged the internet could be down. You will want to be able to keep up-to-date with how things are progressing, so make sure to have a hand crank radio so you’ll be able to get important updates.
Only you know about all the extras and you and your family need, but before getting into the customization make sure these 10 items are packed and ready to go!
