A Go-Bag is a smaller, more mobile version of the Household Emergency Kit. If possible, you should have one Go-Bag for each member of your family that includes essential and tailored items. Your Go-Bag should be lightweight, readily accessible, and ready to go at anytime in case you need to evacuate.
Emergency Supply Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter-in-place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times.
- One gallon of drinking water per person per day.
- Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener.
- First aid kit.
- Flashlight. Note: Traditional flashlight bulbs have a limited lifespan. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
- Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (for a complete listing of radio stations click here)
- Whistle.
- Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water) ONLY if directed to do so by health officials and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water).
- Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
- Phone that does not rely on electricity.
- Child care, pet care supplies or other special care items.
Go Bag
Every household should pack a Go Bag - a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation. A Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. A Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.
- Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)
- Extra set of car and house keys.
- Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations. We recommend keeping at least $50-100 on hand.
- Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars.
- Flashlight Note: Traditional flashlight bulbs have a limited lifespan. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
- Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (for a complete listing of radio stations click here)
- Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Medication information and other essential personal items. If you store extra medication in your Go Bag, be sure to refill it before it expires.
- First-aid kit.
- Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map.
- Child care supplies or other special care items.
REMEMBER
If you have to evacuate, leave information inside your home so others know where you are planning to go. Be sure to include your out-of-area contact information.
