In the event of an emergency that requires you to evacuate, everyone in your household should have a Go Bag packed and ready to go. Your Go Bag should be a sturdy and easy to carry backpack or duffle bag containing things you would want to have with you if you have to leave in a hurry. Items to consider for your Go Bag include:
- Bottled water and nonperishable food, such a s granola bars
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, etc)
- Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries
- Portable cell phone charger
- Notepad, pen/pencil, and marker
- Local street maps (paper version)
- Spare home/vehicle keys
- Whistle or bell
- First aid kit
- Dust mask to reduce inhalation of dust and other debris
- Work gloves
- A change of clothing (long sleeve shirt/pants, rain gear, sturdy footwear, etc.)
- Copies of important documents (insurance/medical cards, contact lists, identification, marriage and birth certificates, etc.) in a portable, waterproof container or plastic bag
- Back-up medical/assistive equipment and supplies
- A list of the medications you take, why you take them, and the dosages
- Cash, in small bills
- Supplies for your service animal or pet
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends assembling a kit of basic supplies to last three days (72 hours), in the event of a disaster. The kit should be checked at least twice per year to ensure that components have not expired. Identify an easily accessible storage location for the kit, and ensure that all family members are aware of this location. This kit should include the following:
- Water
- One gallon per day, per person. This provides for both drinking and sanitary uses.
- Include additional water for pets, as needed
- Food
- Non-perishable items
- Ready-to-eat canned foods, and a manual can opener
- Ensure adequate supply for each family member
- Consider special dietary or other needs
- Include pet food, if applicable
- Handheld AM/FM radio and NOAA Weather Tone Alert Radio. Appropriate spare batteries.
- Cellular phone
- Chargers for portable electronic devices (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.)
- Flashlight and appropriate spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle or bell
- Dust mask to reduce inhalation of dust and other debris
- Adequate supply for family members
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal windows, doors, and other openings, if advised to do so.
- Pre-moistened wipes, plastic garbage bags, and zip ties for toileting.
- Wrench and/or pliers to shut off utilities
- Local street maps (paper version)
- Key documents including insurance documents, contact lists, identification, etc. in a portable, waterproof container
- Medical information (history, allergies, etc.) for each family member.
- Personal medical/assistive equipment, as appropriate
- Prescription medications, including a list of the medications you take, why you take them, and the dosages
- Prescription glasses, if needed
- Diapers and formula, if needed
- Spare home/vehicle keys
- Cash (small bills), change for telephones, etc.
- Sleeping bag/blankets
- Adequate supply for all family members
- Changes of clothes for each family member
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long pants
- Sturdy shoes
- Appropriate personal hygiene supplies for each family member
- Unscented chlorine bleach
- For disinfecting purposes: dilute nine parts water to one part bleach
- For water purification: sixteen drops per gallon of water
- Fire extinguisher (portable size)
- Matches and weatherproof container
- Paper plates, cups, eating utensils, paper towels
- Age-appropriate books, games, etc. for children (if applicable)
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