The go-bag

What a go-bag is for

A go-bag (also called a bug-out bag or 72-hour kit) is a packed bag you can grab and leave with in minutes, because of a fire, a flood, a gas leak or an evacuation order. It's meant to carry you through the first few days until you reach a safe place with more resources.

It's not your whole supply. Your home stock keeps you going if you stay; the go-bag covers you if you have to leave fast.

Choosing the bag

• A sturdy backpack with padded straps and a hip belt keeps your hands free. A rolling bag is fine for anyone who can't carry weight.
• Keep it light enough to carry for an hour's walk. Try it on, fully packed, before you decide it's done.
• Pack heavy items close to your back and things you'll need first at the top.
• Choose a plain, dark color. Use zip-top bags inside to keep things dry and organized.
• One bag per person. Children can carry a small bag with their own comfort items.

Water and food

• Water bottles: at least 1 liter per person, plus a way to treat more (purification tablets or a filter rated to 1 micron or smaller).
• 3 days of compact, no-cook food: energy bars, nut butter packets, dried fruit, jerky, crackers.
• A lightweight cup, spoon and a small multi-tool or folding knife.

Health and first aid

• A first aid kit with bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, gloves, tweezers and blister care.
• At least a 7-day supply of prescription medicines in labeled containers, plus a written list of medications, doses, allergies and your doctors' contact details.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses and solution, hearing-aid batteries and other accessibility items.
• Pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer, masks, toilet paper, feminine supplies, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Documents and money

• Copies of IDs, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, property deeds or leases, and vehicle titles, in a waterproof pouch.
• A printed contact list: family, an out-of-area contact, doctors, your insurer, your employer.
• Recent photos of each family member and each pet, in case you're separated.
• Cash in small bills.
• Spare house and car keys.
• Optional: an encrypted USB drive or secure cloud copy of the same documents.

Light, power and communication

• A headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries.
• A charged power bank and charging cables for every phone.
• A battery or hand-crank radio that receives NOAA Weather Radio.
• A whistle to signal for help.
• A paper map of your area with your evacuation routes marked.

Clothing and shelter

• A change of clothes, warm layers, a hat and gloves, and extra socks.
• Sturdy, broken-in shoes. Keep a pair by the bed in case you have to leave at night over broken glass.
• A rain jacket or poncho.
• An emergency (Mylar) blanket, and a sleeping bag or blanket if it fits.

For children, older adults and pets

• Children: diapers, formula, a favorite toy or book, a card with their name and your phone number.
• Older adults and people with disabilities: mobility aids, medical device chargers, written care instructions.
• Pets: a leash or carrier, food and water for several days, bowls, medicine, vaccination records and a current photo. Many shelters only accept service animals, so plan pet-friendly places to stay in advance.

Where to keep it and how to maintain it

Keep go-bags near the door you'd leave by, or in the car if it's always with you. Smaller kits at work and in the car help if disaster strikes when you're away from home.

Check every bag every 6 months: replace expired food, water and medicine, swap clothing for the season and for children's sizes, recharge power banks and test the flashlight.