Prepare Your Go Bag For Emergencies

There are natural disasters taking place all over the planet: wild fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc. In an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A "Go Bag' is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Go Bag

To assemble your 'Go Bag', store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins, a backpack or a duffel bag.

Planning and Communications

• A copy of your written, prioritized “Grab List” of irreplaceable possessions that you will take if you have time to evacuate via a vehicle. Collect these items just before leaving.            

• Evacuation Plan and maps. Includes completed Household Safety Plan already filled out.

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio to tune to emergency updates

• A whistle to signal for help

• Identification: copies of DL/ID card, health insurance cards, passport

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or on a USB drive

• Grab List items:

• Cell phone with chargers and a fully charged backup battery

• Cash in small denominations, Credit Cards

Food and Shelter

• Water—one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days

• Collapsible water bottle

• Three-day supply of food for each person: Dried or canned food that doesn't require cooking 

• Manual can opener for canned food

• Mess kits, plastic cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

• Duct Tape/rope or twine, zip ties, GoHook, and plastic sheeting to shelter-in-place

• Poncho, rain suit or umbrella

Personal Needs

• A couple changes of clothes--especially socks-- and sturdy shoes. Consider warm and cold weather. Natural fibers (cotton or wool) if you're in a wild fire.

• Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, tooth paste, hair brush, face wipes, moisturizer, deodorant

• Medication/medical documents, including non-prescription meds (such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, antacids or laxatives) with copies of prescriptions and a list of known allergies.

• Visual aids; spare eye glasses, contacts and eye solution.

• Sanitation supplies: disposable wipes, toilet paper, garbage bags, ties for the bags

• Chapstick and Sunscreen

• Towel

Safety

• First aid kit with manual

• Emergency Lighting—flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries

• Life Straw or water purification tablets

• Piezo electric and/or butane lighters

• Safety goggles, cotton gloves, a hat, and a kerchief for each family member to protect against smoke and heat in case of evacuating during a large fire

• N95 dust mask and work gloves

Babies

• If you have a baby: Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream

Pets

• Pet emergency supply kit– Food, water, treats, bowls, plastic bags, litter, leash, medical and immunization records, medicine, transport carrier, etc.

Other

• Small tool kit: screwdrivers, pliers, multi-tool, pocket knife, etc.
  

• Deck of cards or small games
  

• Extra set of keys
  

• Paper and pen (consider a Sharpie)

Maintaining Your Go Bag

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place

• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers

• Replace expired items as needed

• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Go Bag Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

• Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.