Go bag basics
A go bag is a bag that you pack with everything you need in case you have to evacuate your home. This could be due to a natural disaster, like a hurricane, or due to a man-made disaster, like a fire. Your go bag should be packed and ready to go at all times.
Decide what type of bag is best for you
There are many types of go bags to choose from depending on your needs.
Mini-survival kits are perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone who spends time in the great outdoors. It should include a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, water purification tablets, and high-energy snacks.
Choose what you’ll pack in your go bag
You’ll want to be prepared for anything, so choose wisely when deciding what to put in your go bag. Think about the items you’ll need for basic survival, as well as any special items that you or your family might need.
Some essential items to include are:
-Water
-Food
–First aid kit
-Clothing and bedding
–Tools and supplies
-Important documents
-Cash
Essentials for every go bag
A go bag is a bag that contains all the essential items you need in case of an emergency. The items in your go bag should be tailored to your specific needs, but there are some general items that every go bag should have.
A change of clothes
A go bag is a collection of items you may need in the event of an emergency evacuation. The contents of your go-bag will depend on your specific needs, but there are some essential items that every go-bag should include.
A change of clothes is one of the most important items you can pack in your go bag. Choose comfortable, lightweight clothes that will be suitable for a variety of weather conditions. You should also pack a pair of shoes and socks, as well as any personal hygiene items you may need.
Other essential items to include in your go bag are:
-A flashlight and batteries
-A first aid kit
-A whistle
-A map of the area
-A cell phone charger
-A non-perishable food and water
Water and snacks
A go bag is a portable kit containing the items you need to survive for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency. It should be easily accessible and capable of being Grabbed quickly so you can evacuate quickly if necessary.
Some people like to keep their go bag in their car, others keep theirs at work, and some keep more than one go bag in different locations. No matter where you keep your go bag, it’s important to make sure it’s stocked with the essentials that will help you survive an emergency situation. Here are some of the most important items to include in your go bag:
Water: At least two quarts per person, per day (a gallon per person is even better). You can never have too much water stored up, so try to have at least a week’s worth on hand if possible.
Food: Non-perishable food items that don’t require cooking or refrigeration. granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter, etc.
First-aid kit: A basic first-aid kit should include bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, pain relievers, and any other medications you or your family members take on a regular basis.
Flashlight: A flashlight is essential for any power outage or nighttime emergency. Make sure to include extra batteries!
Clothing and bedding: A change of clothes for each person in your family, as well as extra socks, underwear, and shoes. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to include blankets or sleeping bags as well.
Personal hygiene items: Toiletries like soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Sanitary napkins or tampons for women. Infants will need diapers and formula (or breast milk).
Stop any bleeding: Handkerchiefs or bandanas can be used as tourniquets or slings in a pinch; sanitary napkins make good gauze pads; maxi pads can also be used as sanitary napkins or for absorbent padding; cotton balls can be used for applying ointments; Band-Aids are great for small cuts but need something stronger like gauze and medical tape for bigger wounds; Duct tape can seal up wounds (not directly on the skin) if sterile gauze isn’t available.; Aspirin – for pain relief and/or heart attack prevention; Ibuprofen – also for pain relief; Antacids – helpful if someone has indigestion/heartburn
First-aid kit
I’m a big fan of the philosophy “better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” That’s why I always include a first-aid kit in my go bag, even though the probability of me actually needing it is pretty low. You never know when you or someone else might need it, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. At a minimum, your first-aid kit should include:
-Bandages of various sizes
-Gauze
-Adhesive tape
-Antiseptic wipes
-Antibiotic ointment
-Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.)
-Allergy medication (if you have allergies)
-Tweezers
-Scissors
-Safety pins
Of course, you can always add more items to your first-aid kit if you want, but these are the bare essentials.
Phone charger
In the event of an evacuation or other emergency, you’ll want to make sure your phone is charged so you can stay in touch with loved ones or emergency services. A car charger is a good option, but if you’re going to be away from your car, make sure you have a portable charger as well.
Optional items for your go bag
A go bag is a collection of items that you may need in an emergency situation. The items in your go bag should be based on your needs and the specific emergency situation that you are preparing for. Here is a list of optional items that you may want to include in your go bag.
Medications
Be sure to pack all of the medications you or your family members take on a daily basis, as well as any prescription medications. If you have any special medical needs, such as oxygen or diabetes supplies, be sure to pack those as well. It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit.
Important documents
In the event of an evacuation, it is important to have all of your important documents in one place. This includes things like your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, and insurance cards. You should also make copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place, like a fireproof safe.
Cash
In addition to the other items on this list, you may also want to include some cash in your go bag. Depending on the situation, ATMs may not be accessible, and you’ll need cash to buy supplies if stores are open. Many experts recommend keeping at least $100 in small bills in your go bag.
A flashlight
A flashlight is an optional but highly recommended item for your go bag. A flashlight will come in handy if you find yourself in a power outage or other emergency situation.
A whistle
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a go bag should have enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours. That includes water, food, first-aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools, sanitation and hygiene items, and important papers and documents.
A whistle is an optional but recommended item for your go bag. It can be used to signal for help if you are lost or stranded.