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    Urban Bliss Life » Blog » What to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag

    Published: January 2, 2020 / Updated: March 23, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    What to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag

    7284 shares

    Here's a handy checklist of What to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag. Be prepared for any natural disaster!

    emergency go bags

    The beginning of a new year is a great time to get re-organized and start the year off on the right foot. One of the areas I've been trying to be more organized in is our emergency preparedness.

    Here in the Pacific Northwest, we've been bracing for The Big Earthquake for decades. I figured it was time to at least pack each of us a Go Bag so we're somewhat prepared, for any type of emergency that would require us to immediately leave our home.

    Table of contents

    • What is an Emergency Go Bag?
    • Where to place Go Bags
    • Best Kind of Bag to Use for Emergency Packs
    • What to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag
      • First Aid Kit
      • Safety Gear
      • Communication Gear
      • Food and water
      • Hygiene and sanitation
      • Clothing
      • Additional Emergency Bag Items
    • Emergency Go Bag Checklist
    • Pin it
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    What is an Emergency Go Bag?

    Emergency Go Bags

    A little while back, I posted a series of Instagram stories sharing the items I pack in my family's Emergency Go bags. These are the bags that each family member can grab in the case of a natural disaster.

    Each member of your household should have their own Go Bag.

    Where to place Go Bags

    Go Bags should be placed in easy-to-grab-and-go spots of the house. On the back of each bedroom door is a good spot that also keeps them out of the way of daily life. You can also have all of the Go Bags in a central home closet.

    The main thing to remember is to make sure the bags can easily be reached by all family members (underneath beds is a good spot for little kids); make sure there's not a bunch of items blocking your access to the bags.

    Best Kind of Bag to Use for Emergency Packs

    Emergency Go Bags backpacks

    Backpacks are a great choice for Emergency Go Bags. You can run with them while keeping your arms free and body balanced.

    Look for lightweight, weather-resistant backpacks that can hold a good amount of items. You don't have to spend a lot of money on them. I bought four of these lightweight travel backpacks from Amazon for around $12 each. Each family member has a different colored backpack.

    What to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag

    Instagram friends have been asking for a list of the items we pack. So, here it is, at long last! I've put together a FREE Printable PDF of What to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag! Read on for how to download and print the full checklist.

    In the meantime, here's a brief list of some of the main items to pack in an emergency

    First Aid Kit

    first aid kit items

    Stock your bag with basic first aid items, such as: bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and medications.

    Safety Gear

    camping lantern

    Include safety gear such as emergency thermal blankets, LED camping lanterns (pictured above), flashlights, whistles and dust masks.

    Communication Gear

    Lifestraw, handcrank radio, flint

    You'll want to pack ways to communicate, including a cell phone and charger. In the event that cell towers go down, definitely pack a handcrank radio.

    It's also good for each person to have a laminated emergency contact info sheet in their bags.

    Food and water

    portable water purification tablets

    In the event of a natural disaster, you'll want water purification tablets and/or something like a Lifestraw to purify the water. Each family member should have a couple of filled water bottles in their bag, too.

    You can also pack shelf stable food, a can opener, and extra utensils. Many purchase pouches of emergency food packs, which you can find at Amazon and even at Costco.

    Hygiene and sanitation

    Pack a small toiletry bag, similar to what you might pack for a short trip. Include daily use items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, bars of soap, hand sanitizer.

    Clothing

    Emergency Go Bags

    Pack at least one extra set of clothes, as well as waterproof shoes and a waterproof rain jacket. You can also purchase inexpensive ponchos with hoods.

    Additional Emergency Bag Items

    Other item to consider packing in your emergency go bag:

    • ID, insurance, and any other important personal documents in a waterproof pouch
    • Cash in waterproof bags/containers
    • Duct tape
    • Sharpie pens
    • Notebook
    • Sticky notepads
    • Ziplock bags of varying sizes
    • Don't forget your pets! Pack dry pet food packets + pet medications.

    Emergency Go Bag Checklist

    Emergency Go bag Checklist

    To make it SUPER easy to put your Go Bag together, I've designed a handy dandy helpful Emergency Go Bag Checklist that you can print out and reference as you gather your items.

    Download my free Emergency Go Bag Checklist Printable PDF

    Pin it

    Emergency Go Bags

    Do you have an emergency Go Bag already? If not, I hope this helps you get one started for each member of your family!

    Of course, we all hope that we never have to actually use it. But in the event that we do, we'll be prepared.


    Want more food, wine, and travel tips? Each week I share recipe/meal plan ideas, a wine or wine tip of the week, and travel tip of the week, sent straight to your inbox. Be sure to subscribe here so you don't miss all of the extra content!

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Shannah says

        January 06, 2020 at 6:49 pm

        This is a great idea to do at the beginning of the year! We are only a few hours away from where 2 earthquakes hit just over the weekend (Missouri).

        Reply
      2. Eileen M Loya says

        January 05, 2020 at 8:15 pm

        We have those too, although we call it "survival backpack." Living in a tropical country located in the so called Pacific Ring of Fire makes us always vigilant in preparing for any emergency. Typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions are part of life. I like your checklist. I will have to go over our backpacks to see if we are lacking something.

        Reply
      3. Nene says

        January 04, 2020 at 1:26 pm

        Great list for emergency kits!! It's always a great idea to have them around. Thanks for sharing

        Reply
      4. jess | writinginredlipstick.com says

        January 04, 2020 at 1:20 pm

        this is such a smart practice, I really need an emergency kit at home and in my car, and probably at work!

        Reply
      5. Charlotte says

        January 04, 2020 at 8:41 am

        This is such a good idea! Always better to be prepared.

        Reply
      6. Sam @ The Haunted Housewife says

        January 03, 2020 at 11:53 pm

        I’ve been wanting to make one of these for years, I even have a wishlist on amazon with the lifestraw and various items on it. This WILL be the year I get it together lol. I love the backpack you suggested! Adding it to the list

        Reply
      7. Krystin says

        January 03, 2020 at 8:14 pm

        This is such a great idea! I really need to do this!

        Reply
      8. Maria Zinski says

        January 03, 2020 at 4:32 pm

        This is a great list, it is so important to be prepared for emergencies.

        Reply

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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