How to Pack an Evacuation Go Bag in an Emergency
Having a “go bag” ready for emergencies and disasters is an essential part of preparedness. Whether facing natural disasters, evacuations or other unforeseen crises, a well-prepared go bag can be a lifesaver.
Here’s a guide to help you create your own emergency go bag, ensuring you’re ready to face any situation with confidence.
Why is A Go Bag is Essential?
A go bag, also known as a bug-out bag or emergency kit, is a portable collection of items designed to help you survive for at least 72 hours during an emergency evacuation.
In case you missed it, I have an in-depth blog post about creating an emergency plan & disaster preparedness kit.
Here’s why having one is crucial:
- Immediate Response: Emergencies often strike without warning. A go bag allows you to leave quickly.
- Survival Essentials: Ensures you have critical supplies like food, water, and medical necessities.
- Reduced Stress: Being prepared gives you peace of mind and allows for better decision-making in a crisis.
My Go Bag Hack: The Seat Back Organizer
In addition to all of your emergency supplies & disaster kit, a little trick I have for making go bags for yourself & each family member is using a tactical setback organizer. There are tons of setback organizers for cars, but more specifically a tactical version has detachable pouches that make it easy to pack and organize essentials.
They work really well for making go bags for multiple family members because you can add items to each individual go bag that make sense or might be more specifically important to that person.
You can put universally important items in each, like a flashlight, portable phone charger, reusable water bottle, snacks, etc.
But you can can also add specific items like copies of personal documents, medications, games or activities for kids, baby essentials, spare clothing, etc.
What’s great about the format of these organizers is that you can hang them all in the closet in case of an emergency. If you have to evacuate, you can grab each bag and hang it from a seat back. This is particularly helpful if you’re packing a car up with other items & need space in the trunk.
This particular seat back organizer has 5 detachable molle pouches. You can use your own molle pouches and customize the configuration. It’s basically a lightweight, modular carrying system you can attach pouches to.
Or, if you can’t load up your vehicle, pull the molle pouches off of the seat back organizer and attach them to a tactical backpack or duffel bag.
Essential Items for Your Go Bag
1. Water and Hydration
- Water Bottles: At least 1 liter per person per day.
- Water Purification: Tablets or a portable water filter for purifying additional water sources.
2. Food and Nutrition
- Non-Perishable Food: Energy bars, canned goods, and dehydrated meals.
- Utensils: Lightweight and durable eating utensils.
3. Clothing and Shelter
- Clothing: A change of clothes, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate outerwear.
- Shelter: A compact tent, emergency blanket, or tarp.
4. Medical Supplies
- First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Personal Hygiene: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and sanitary products.
5. Tools and Supplies
- Multi-Tool: Versatile tool for various tasks.
- Fire Starting Kit: Waterproof matches, lighter, and fire starter.
- Flashlight: With extra batteries or a hand-crank option.
6. Important Documents and Cash
- Documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, and emergency contacts.
- Cash: Small denominations and coins, as electronic payment systems may not work.
7. Communication and Navigation
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for news updates.
- Maps: Local maps and a compass.
Personalizing Your Go Bag
Tailor your go bag to meet your specific needs:
- Family Members: Include items for each family member, including infants and pets.
- Special Needs: Add items for specific health or dietary requirements.
- Local Conditions: Adjust contents based on your regional climate and common emergencies.
Maintenance and Regular Updates
Your go bag needs regular checks and updates:
- Bi-Annual Review: Check your go bag every six months.
- Replace Expired Items: Ensure food and medical supplies are not expired.
- Update Documents: Keep copies of the latest versions of important documents.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Change clothing and supplies according to the upcoming season.