You Need A Go Bag

When natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or other emergencies strike, every second counts. The ability to leave your home quickly and safely can make a significant difference in protecting your family and preserving your essential belongings. This is where a “go-bag” becomes invaluable. 

A go-bag is a pre-packed kit containing necessary supplies, identification documents and sentimental items that you can grab at a moment’s notice. It ensures you are prepared to evacuate swiftly and face unforeseen challenges with a measure of confidence and preparedness.

Since living in Southern California and the fires closed schools for a week, I have a had a go-bag ready to go. It’s been a back bag, tote bag and sea bag. It develops every time we move, and with every stage of children. The food/kids and baby supplies are in a plastic note in a storage closet.

person holding black backpack
Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

Why You Need a Go-Bag

Emergencies often come with little warning. In recent years, events such as the hurricanes in Tampa and the wildfires in Los Angeles have highlighted the need for readiness. In such situations, evacuation orders can be issued suddenly, leaving residents with mere minutes to gather their belongings and leave.

A go-bag ensures that you are not scrambling to find critical items when the clock is ticking. It minimizes stress, saves time, and increases your chances of staying safe and comfortable during a potentially chaotic evacuation. I am all about lessening stress on myself, and being ready to go at a moment’s notice – Semper Gumby after all.

What to Include in Your Go-Bag

The contents of a go-bag should be tailored to your family’s specific needs, but certain essentials should always be included. Here is a comprehensive list to guide you:

Basic Survival Essentials

  1. Water and Food:
    • Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days).
    • Non-perishable, high-energy snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit).
  2. First Aid Kit:
    • Bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, and any daily medications. I also pack any fever/allergy medications for all members of your family. 
  3. Flashlight and Batteries:
    • A reliable flashlight and extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight.
  4. Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife:
    • Useful for various tasks, from opening cans to minor repairs.
  5. Emergency Blanket:
    • Lightweight and compact, it provides warmth and protection.
  6. Face Masks:
    • N95 masks to protect against smoke, dust, or airborne particles.

Important Documents 

  1. Identification and Documents:
    • Copies of IDs, passports, insurance policies, medical records, and important contact information. While some information is available digitally, it is important to know policy numbers and keep identification with you.
  2. Cash and Credit Cards:
    • Small denominations of cash and at least one credit card for emergencies.
  3. Checkbook
    1. Keep the checkbook with you – you never know if you will need it.

Communication Tools 

  1. A portable phone charger or power bank.
  2. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on emergency broadcasts.

Clothing and Personal Items

  1. Clothing:
    • A change of clothes for each family member, including sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate items.
  2. Hygiene Supplies:
    • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
  3. Glasses or Contact Lenses:
    • Include backups if needed.

Sentimental and Irreplaceable Items

  1. Photos and Keepsakes:
    • Small, sentimental items that hold personal value – after the losses with the recent hurricane, this one is crucial – we didn’t have photo books or photos with us, and most of our print photos were lost. I recommend scanning any photos into a digital or digital storage website. 
  2. Backup Drive or Cloud Access:
    • Store digital copies of family photos, important documents, and other irreplaceable data.

For Children and Pets

  1. Kids’ Needs:
    • Comfort items such as a favorite toy, blanket, or book.
    • Baby supplies like diapers, formula, and baby food.
  2. Pet Supplies:
    • Food, water, leash, carrier, and vaccination records for your pets.

Tips for Maintaining Your Go-Bag

  • Update Regularly:
    • Review the contents of your go-bag every six months to replace expired items and update as your family’s needs change.
  • Keep It Accessible:
    • Store the bag in a location that is easy to access.
  • Communicate Your Plan:
    • Ensure all family members know where the go-bag is stored and what the evacuation plan entails.

Having a go-bag is a simple yet powerful way to prepare for emergencies. It provides peace of mind, reduces panic during evacuation, and helps ensure the safety and well-being of your family. In an unpredictable world, being ready for the unexpected is essential. 

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