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When it comes to packing essentials, I could easily take home the gold medal. My home is filled with bags, each containing the same must-haves. For instance, my vibrant Kate Spade bag, which I splurged on during Pride Month, holds the same items as the black backpack I impulsively bought at Target. Why do I do this? Because my needs on the go are consistent: hand sanitizer, face masks (because someone in my family will forget theirs), lotion, lip gloss, earbuds, and a quarter (you never know when you might need it).
But what if an emergency occurs? I shudder to think of the panic faced by those who experienced wildfires this year, like the devastating Caldor Fires that scorched over 200,000 acres in California. According to sociology professor at Rice University, Max Thompson, “Recent disasters show simultaneous events with increasing intensity, influenced by climate change and more development in vulnerable areas.”
In the event you must evacuate your home quickly, what should you include in your ‘go bag’? Here are some essential items to consider that differ from your everyday carry. I plan to do this the next time a hurricane or other disaster strikes.
If you’re like me, you might feel the urge to over-pack. Resist that temptation. When assembling your ‘go bag,’ stick to the essentials; your extra lip gloss, unfortunately, doesn’t count!
It’s wise to keep important documents easily accessible. Store the following in a Ziploc bag: passports for each family member, an extra debit card, cash, car and house keys, birth certificates, phone chargers, and face masks, along with anything else you need to keep dry and have quick access to.
Once your documents are secure, choose a durable bag that can withstand wind, rain, and heat. While it’s a bonus if it looks nice, your priority should be survival.
Essential Items to Include
Next, fill your sturdy bag with the essentials, including:
- Medications
- Spare glasses and/or contact lenses with supplies
- Pads and/or tampons
- Tissues
- Flashlights and batteries
- Small, non-perishable food items like (travel-sized) cereal, crackers, or nuts
- Bottled water
- Travel-sized hygiene kits (depending on your family size)
- Baby wipes (they’re a lifesaver)
Remember, focus on essentials: think underwear, not journals or crayons. Overpacking can be tempting, but as Tara Parker-Pope pointed out, “If I need my go bag, it’s for a short-term emergency, not the end of civilization.”
Consider whether this will be a family ‘go bag’ or if each child will have their own. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll forget their bags if they’re separated. A single, well-prepared bag works best for my family in case of a fire or flood.
Your ‘go bag’ should cater to your family’s unique needs. For example, my child with autism spectrum disorder requires specific food options. Don’t forget to think about your pets—do they need a ‘go bag’ too?
It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge that any of us could face a natural disaster, but being prepared provides peace of mind and enables a quicker, safer evacuation if necessary. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your ‘go bag’ while it’s fresh in your mind. For more insights, you can also check out this other blog post.