Essential Guide: How to Create Your Go Bag for Emergency Evacuations

Sharing the Good!

Why You Need a Go Bag for Emergencies

Natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other climate-related events are unpredictable. These events can occur with little to no warning, leaving you with little time to prepare. That’s where having a Go Bag comes in. A Go Bag is a portable emergency kit that contains all the essential items you and your family need to survive and stay safe during an evacuation.

As a California resident for most of my life, I’ve lived through wildfires and earthquakes, and I truly understand the urgency of preparing for these unexpected events. There have been times when we’ve stored earthquake supplies in sealed containers in our yard. Over the years, I’ve kept a gym bag in my car with some basic supplies, though it wasn’t enough for an overnight stay. We now have two large steel cabinets in our garage for camping gear, coolers, and one refrigerator/freezer stocked with water and perishable food.

Even though I travel often, keeping toiletries ready to grab is something I’ve always done. However, despite these precautions, I still don’t have a Go Bag packed and ready to go. I know it’s important, and I’m sharing this with you to emphasize the urgency of having your Go Bag ready at all times.

What is a Go Bag?

A Go Bag is a portable, emergency kit that contains all the essential items you need to evacuate quickly during an emergency, such as a wildfire or earthquake. It’s designed to save you time by having everything packed and ready to go. Instead of scrambling to gather important items during an evacuation, you’ll already have them packed in your Go Bag, allowing you to leave as soon as possible.

A Go Bag should ideally contain enough supplies for at least three days. It should include important documents, medical supplies, food and water, clothing, and anything else that will help you stay safe and comfortable in an emergency situation.

What to Pack in Your Go Bag

Below is a quick list of essential items to pack in your Go Bag. HERE I have a more comprehensive list to share with you as well as a blank packing list to fill in for your own unique needs, so you can rest assured that this will cover all your bases.

Basic Items (15 Minutes to Pack):

  • Important Documents: Passports, birth certificates, ID cards
  • Medical Essentials: Prescriptions, eyeglasses, hearing aids
  • Personal Items: Wallet, phones, chargers
  • Cash: Crucial for areas without power or ATMs
  • Clothing: Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes

Critical Items for Longer Evacuations (30 Minutes to 1 Hour to Pack):

  • Food & Water: Enough for at least 72 hours
  • First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, medications
  • Pet Supplies: Pet food, meds, leashes, crates
  • Extra Medications: For both humans and pets
  • Comfort Items for Kids: Special toys, books, or blankets
  • Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bags, blankets

Things You Might Not Think Of

  • Battery-Powered or Hand-Cranked Radio: To stay updated on emergency alerts
  • Flashlights & Headlamps: For visibility during power outages
  • Masks: N95 or similar to protect from smoke inhalation
  • Hygiene Essentials: Wipes, hand sanitizer, feminine products
  • Backup Power Bank: To charge devices when there’s no power
  • Important Phone Numbers & Passwords: Written down or securely stored

How to Pack Your Go Bag Efficiently

  • Organize the Bag: Use ziplock bags to organize and label items for easy access. Group items by category (e.g., medical, documents, hygiene).
  • Ready-to-Go: Store your Go Bag in an easily accessible spot near the exit, so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate.
  • Pack Your Checklist: Include your packing list inside the bag. Consider keeping an online copy of your list for easy reference in case the physical one gets lost.

Additional Tips for Emergency Preparedness

  • Know Your Evacuation Routes: Map out at least two evacuation routes in case roads are blocked.
  • Stay Informed: Sign up for local news, weather, and emergency alerts to stay updated on fire or earthquake activity.
  • Prepare for Pets: As fires may require quick evacuations, make sure you have a plan for evacuating your pets. Include leashes, carriers, and pet food.
  • Family Communication Plan: Create an emergency communication plan for your family, so everyone knows where to go and how to reach each other.

Get Ready Now!

If your Go Bag isn’t ready yet, it’s time to get started. Block out time in your calendar to complete these tasks:

  • Print Out the Evacuation and Go Bag List
  • Gather Supplies You Already Have
  • Order or Buy Any Missing Items
  • Assemble Your Go Bag with the checklist and essential information
  • Store Your Go Bag in an Accessible Location
  • Check Your Go Bag Regularly (at least once a month) to make sure you update items like medications, food, and drink.

Why not start today by choosing a duffel bag or small suitcase for your Go Bag? It’s a small step, but it’s an important one!

Don’t forget to download the lists I’ve created to help you pack your Go Bag. I’d love to hear what you include in your Go Bag—photos are encouraged!

Interested in how our food choices can impact these disasters? Read my post: “From Meat to Beans and Greens: How What We Eat Can Help Prevent Wildfires and Reverse Climate Change?

Sharing the Good!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *