Introduction
A go bag is a portable kit that contains all the items you would need to survive for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency. The contents of your go bag will vary depending on your specific needs and the location where you live, but there are some essential items that every go bag should have.
-Water: You should have at least one gallon of water per person, per day. If you live in a hot climate, or if you will be doing any strenuous activity, you should have more water.
-Food: Non-perishable food items that don’t require cooking or refrigeration.
-Clothing and bedding: A change of clothes for each person, including shoes and rain gear. Bedding items such as blankets or sleeping bags.
–First aid kit: A basic first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other items.
–Tools and supplies: A flashlight, a radio, batteries, a wrench to turn off utilities, and duct tape.
-Important documents: Copies of important documents such as your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, insurance cards, etc.
The Basics
Water
Your body is made up of 60% water and every system in your body depends on water. You can only live for three days without water, so it is imperative that your go bag includes plenty of clean water. The rule of thumb is to include one gallon of water per person, per day. If you are including small children or pets, you will need even more. It is also a good idea to include water purification tablets or a filter in your go bag, just in case you run out of clean water and need to purify some from a natural source.
For more information on how much water you should drink in a day, check out this article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
Food
One of the first things you’ll want to do is stock up on non-perishable food items. Canned goods are always a good option, but you’ll also want to consider things like energy bars, jerky, and dried fruits and nuts. It’s important to have a variety of food items so you don’t get bored, and it’s also important to make sure you have enough food to last you for a while in case of an emergency situation.
Shelter
The first and most important thing you need in a go bag is shelter. If you are forced to evacuate your home, you may not have time to gather all the supplies you need. That’s why it’s crucial to have a designated shelter space in your go bag. A tent or tarp, along with some extra rope, can help you find or create shelter in any situation. If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes or tornadoes, be sure to include a weather-resistant tarp in your go bag as well.
Clothing
4 days’ worth of clothes:
-2 pairs of jeans
-4 shirts
-1 jacket or sweater
-4 pairs of socks
-4 pairs of underwear
-1 pair of pajamas
First Aid
Your go bag should have a first aid kit with items like bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and more. You may also want to include items like a thermometer, Backup Prescriptions, and first-aid instructions.
Tools
Every go bag should have a few basic tools to help you get by in an emergency situation. A multi-tool is a great option because it can offer many different functions in one small package. A flashlight is another essential, especially if you find yourself without power. A small hand-cranked radio can also be a lifesaver, giving you access to vital information and news updates.
Communications
Your go bag should have a way for you to communicate with the outside world, whether that’s a handheld two-way radio, a phone charger, or an emergency flare. In an urban environment, you might rely on your cell phone — but in a rural or wilderness area, you may not have any service. A two-way radio can help you stay in touch with others at your party, as well as receive updates on the situation. A phone charger is also essential — even if you have a two-way radio, your cell phone will probably have longer battery life. And if you need to signal for help, an emergency flare is a good way to do it.
Documentation
One of the most important things to include in your go bag is documentation. This can include things like your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, etc. If you have copies of important documents, such as your will or power of attorney, those should go in your go bag as well. You may also want to include a list of emergency contacts and any medical information that could be important in an emergency situation.
Optional Items
A go bag is also known as a bug out bag or 72-hour kit. It is a bag that contains all of the items you would need to survive for three days in the event of an emergency. The following is a list of optional items that you may want to include in your go bag.
Cash
While it’s not the most practical item in a go bag, cash is one of the most important. In the event of an emergency, ATMs and card readers may not be working, or stores may not be able to process electronic payments. Having a few hundred dollars in cash can help you buy supplies or even pay for transportation out of a disaster area.
Defense
A go bag should have items to help you defend yourself if necessary. This includes a flashlight and a whistle to attract attention, as well as pepper spray or a stun gun to help deter an attacker. You may also want to consider carrying a small knife or multitool in case you need to cut yourself free from something or defend yourself.
Hygiene
A go bag should contain items to maintain personal hygiene. This might include items such as soap, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a comb or hairbrush, and whatever else you need to feel clean and fresh.
Comfort
A go bag is a portable kit that contains the items you need to survive for at least 72 hours. It should be sturdy and easy to carry, so you can take it with you if you have to evacuate your home.
Your go bag should be customized to meet your needs, but there are some basic items that every go bag should contain:
-A comfortable pair of walking shoes or hiking boots
-A map of the area
-A flashlight
-A whistle
-A first-aid kit
-A bottle of water
-Non-perishable food
Entertainment
One of the most important parts of a go bag is entertainment. When an emergency strikes, you may be stuck in an evacuation center or your home without power for days. Having books, magazines, playing cards, or other ways to entertain yourself and pass the time is crucial. Make sure to pack items that everyone in the family will enjoy and that can be used over and over again.
Conclusion
A go bag is simply a collection of items you may need in an emergency situation. The contents of your go bag will depend on many factors, including the area you live in, your personal needs, and the type of emergency you are preparing for.
Some basic essentials that every go-bag should include are:
-A first aid kit
-A flashlight and extra batteries
-A hand-cranked or battery-powered radio
-Non-perishable food and water
-Clothing and blankets
-Personal hygiene items
-Important documents, such as identification, insurance information, and bank account records