Focus on your unique needs, and keep these basics in mind.
What to put in your Go Bag is a common and very important question, and there’s no single answer to it. Emergency Go Bag contents differ from person to person and from animal to animal.
Below are a few general checklists to help you get started. Remember your household’s specific medication and other personal needs.
For Adults
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food per person
- 3 gallons of water per person
- Map outlining two or more evacuation routes
- Essential prescriptions or medications
- Extra clothes and eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Duplicate car keys/fob
- Credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
- First aid kit
- Hygiene and sanitary supplies
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries for any devices
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
For Children
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Small blanket
- Age-appropriate water container
- Non-perishable snacks
- Toys or other time-passers (e.g., books, coloring books)
- Personal hygiene needs (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, comb/brush, etc.)
- Family contact info, either laminated or in a waterproof pouch
For House Pets
- Enough food and water for at least 3 days
- Can opener, if your pet eats wet food
- Collapsible bowls for food and water
- Extra collar and/or leash with your pet’s name and your contact information.
- Any medication your pet needs; talk to your vet about avoiding expired meds
- Animal-specific first aid kit (find examples here)
- Vaccination records
- Blanket or portable pet bed
As we mentioned earlier, what to put in your Go Bag is a question with a lot of different answers depending on who the bag is for. We hope these suggestions help you focus on exactly what you and your loved ones need in your go bags. The most important thing to remember: pack your Go Bag now so it’s ready when you need it.