The basics
A go bag is a bag that you can grab in a hurry in the event of an emergency. It should be packed with the essentials that you would need to survive for at least 72 hours. This includes food, water, shelter, clothes, and first-aid.
A change of clothes
A go bag is a bag that contains all the essential items you would need in the event of an emergency. The contents of a go bag vary depending on individual needs, but there are some basics that everyone should include.
A change of clothes is one of the most important items you can pack in your go bag. Depending on the severity of the emergency, you may be away from home for days or even weeks. It’s important to pack enough clothes to keep you comfortable during this time. Be sure to include a change of underwear, socks, and shoes. If you have young children, be sure to pack extra clothes for them as well.
Other essential items to include in your go bag are:
-Food and water
–First aid kit
–Flashlight and batteries
-Whistle
-Dust mask
-Sanitation supplies
Toiletries
Toiletries are an important part of your go bag. You will want to pack items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and a comb or brush. You may also want to pack cosmetics like makeup, lotion, perfume, or cologne. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to pack extra lenses and solutions. You may also want to pack a small sewing kit in case you need to mend clothing while you’re away from home.
Medications
You should pack all medications that you take on a daily basis, in your go bag. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Pack enough of each medication to last at least a week. If you have long-term health conditions that require special equipment, such as oxygen tanks or syringes, make sure to pack those as well.
Include a list of all medications in your go bag, as well as the name and phone number of your doctor or pharmacy.
Electronics
A go bag is a collection of items you may need in an emergency evacuation. The contents of a go bag vary depending on the location, climate, and type of disaster. When packing your go bag, be sure to include essential electronics like a phone charger, laptop, and portable power bank.
Phone and charger
Your phone is likely one of your most-used electronics, so it should definitely go in your go bag. If you have a charger that works with a car cigarette lighter, pack that too.
Laptop and charger
At a minimum, you should pack your laptop and charger in your go bag. If you have a laptop with a detachable screen, you may want to consider packing the screen separately from the keyboard to make it more portable. You should also pack any other electronics that you rely on, such as a tablet, smartphone, or portable charger.
External hard drive
An external hard drive is a storage device that can be used to back up your important files in case your computer crashes. This can be a lifesaver if you have important work documents or family photos that you can’t afford to lose. Look for an external hard drive that is at least 1 TB (terabyte) in size so you have plenty of space for all your files.
Other essentials
Cash
No matter what your evacuation plan is, you should always have some cash on hand. If you need to evacuate quickly, you may not have time to stop at an ATM. In a major disaster, ATMs and banks may not be accessible, so it’s important to have cash on hand just in case.
How much cash you should have depends on your individual circumstances. A good rule of thumb is to have at least $100 in small denominations (e.g., $5 and $10 bills). You may want to keep this cash in a safe place like a fireproof safe or a waterproof container.
Important documents
There are a few essential documents you should always have in your go bag, in case of an emergency. These include:
-A copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued ID
-A copy of your passport
-Proof of insurance
-Any relevant medical information, such as prescriptions or a list of allergies
-Emergency contact information
First-aid kit
A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and materials that are used to give medical treatment. There is a wide variation in the contents of first-aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those who have assembled them.
First-aid kits are usually designed for specific activities such as hiking, camping, boating, or climbing. Some First aid kits are occupation-specific such as in aviation, fishing, and forestry. Office first-aid kits are mandatory in many countries. Some workplaces also require specific items such as eye wash and gloves.
There are many types of first aid kits but the most common one contains:
- Bandages
- Cotton balls
- Gauze pads
- Safety pins
- Soap
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Gloves
- Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder, or spray
- Burn ointment
- Calamine lotion
- §5 bill and/or change – for phone calls or snacks
- A list of emergency numbers including contact information for a family member