Why You Need a GoBag

Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every person should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. Preparing for an emergency isn’t just the job of emergency management officials, it’s also an individual responsibility.

“You should be prepared to take care of yourself and members of your family for the first 72 hours – that’s three days – following a disaster,” said May, who oversees operations for the eight Southeastern states that comprise FEMA Region IV.

“Packing an emergency preparedness kit helps ensure the safety and comfort of you and your family members at a time when basic public services may be disrupted,” said May.

An emergency preparedness kit needs to include food and water for each member of your family for three days, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, can opener, local maps, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

Other items to consider include sleeping bags or blankets, paper towels, books, puzzles, and games for children, and pet food for family pets.

The emergency supplies can be stored in an easy-to-carry plastic storage container or bag (GoBag), making it easy to grab and go when an emergency arises.

Putting together an emergency kit isn’t a costly enterprise. Many of the items that need to go into the kit are likely already scattered throughout your home.

An emergency preparedness kit will make your time during an emergency more comfortable, ensuring you have foods you like, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, entertainment, and even treats during a stressful time.

Understanding the GoBags can vary, below are my minimal suggestions with regard to the creation of a GoBag (Bug-Out-Bag / 72-Hour Bag).

Personal Care

Tools

Recommended Additions:

Important documents/copies (suggested: keep inside a waterproof pouch)
Cash in smaller bills and coins
Maps of the Local Area
Family Photos
Prescription Medication
Extra hat, gloves. thermal underwear, etc.
Three (3) Freeze Dried Breakfast Meals
Six (6) Freeze Dried Various Meals
2-3 Waterproof Pouches / Bags
Survival Knife

More information on emergency preparedness, including how to put together a family communication plan, can be found at www.Ready.gov. Ready.gov recommends the following:

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since the Spring of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records are saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water, and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.