In an emergency you might have 10 minutes to grab a bag and go. Here is exactly what to put in it.
One bag per person
Each adult needs their own go-bag. A teenager can carry their own. Give young children a small backpack with snacks and a comfort item. It helps them feel part of the plan.
Water
Ready.gov recommends 1 gallon per person per day. That is heavy to carry, so pack at least 2 liters in each bag and keep the rest of your 3-day supply by the door or in the car. Add water purification tablets as a backup.
Food for three days
Pack food that needs no cooking: energy bars, peanut butter packets, dried fruit, nuts and jerky. Include familiar snacks for kids. Aim for 1,500 to 2,000 calories per person per day.
The basics people forget
- A paper map of your area
- Cash in small bills
- A first aid kit and any prescription medicines
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A phone charger and battery pack
- A change of clothes, sturdy shoes and a rain poncho
- A whistle and a dust mask
- Copies of important papers in a waterproof bag
- Glasses, hearing aid batteries, and baby supplies if needed
The biggest mistake
Packing one family bag instead of a bag for each person. Families can get separated. Each adult's bag should be enough to get by alone for at least 24 hours.
Keep it ready
Check your bags twice a year. Swap out food, water and medicine before they expire, and update clothes as kids grow.
Source: Ready.gov emergency kit guidance (FEMA).