Go Bag

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)

Additional Resources

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