8 Things You Need on Your Go Bag List

Recently, a relative’s home was destroyed by fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt! They had no choice but to evacuate quickly, and besides the clothes on their backs, they lost everything.

This unfortunate incident got me thinking about a Go bag. In the event of an emergency evacuation, what would I grab?

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a Go bag is a bag you keep packed with all the essentials you would need in an emergency. It goes by a few other names, such as disaster bag, GOOD (get out of Dodge) bag, and of course, emergency kit.

Having a Go bag packed and ready to go means that if you had to evacuate, you would not be scrambling to figure out what to bring.  And you and your family could get out quickly and easily, if necessary.

While this is one of the things you hope you never have to use, a Go bag is an essential item to have in your home.

This post will take a closer look at Go bags and the essential items for your Go bag list so that you know what to pack when putting your bag together.

What kind of bag do you need?

Depending on the size of your family and what you would need to bring with you, you might need a small backpack or a duffel bag. Regardless of the type of bag, make sure that it can hold essentials like a change of clothes, toiletries, laptop, important documents, and so on. The key thing with your bag is that it must be easy to carry so you can evacuate quickly if necessary.

Where do you keep the bag?

Ideally, you would keep your Go bag somewhere in your home that is easily accessible if you had to evacuate. A designated spot that everyone in your home knows about and can get to quickly. For instance, the top shelf in the entryway closet close to the front door makes sense.

At the end of the day, everyone in your home should have a bag and storing them all together in a central location is the best way to ensure that everyone knows where they are and can grab them quickly if needed.

Be sure to keep the bags out of reach of small children, as you don’t want them getting into things like medications or other items that could be harmful if ingested.

The Go bag list

A Go bag list can be very personal, but there are some essential items that everyone should consider packing.

Here are 9 essential items for your Go bag:

1. Clothing and blankets

Pack a few days’ worth of clothes, including underwear, socks, and outerwear, like jackets and hats. Also, pack blankets and if you have small children, pack extra clothes for them as well.

And your shoes must be comfortable enough to walk long distances in.

And remember to throw some masks in your bag.

2. Toiletries

Toiletries are definitely on the go bag list. Pack toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine products, etc. Basically, anything you would need or use on a daily basis.

3. Medications

If you or someone in your family takes medication, be sure to pack enough for a few days. Remember to pack over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or allergy medicine as well. And don’t forget your eyeglasses or contact lenses if you need them. It’s always good to have an extra pair of eyeglasses on hand.

As a rule of thumb, be proactive and refill your prescriptions on a timely basis before you run out.

4. First-aid kit

Along with medication, a first aid kit is essential for any Go bag. Be sure to include items like band-aids, gauze, medical tape, scissors, antiseptic wipes, or cream. If anyone in your family has a specific medical condition, make sure to pack any items or medication they might need. As well, it’s a good idea to pack a first aid book or instructional guide in case you need to reference it in an emergency.

5. Food and water supplies

Pack non-perishable food items like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. And don’t forget to pack a supply of water as well. The recommended amount of water is at least one gallon (4 ½ liters) per day, per person.

Also, canned foods are a good option as they don’t require cooking and have relatively long shelf-lives. Just be sure to pack a can opener too, as well as regular or disposable cutlery. And, don’t forget to pack disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.

If you have pets, remember to pack food and water for them too.

6. Flashlight, chargers, etc.

A flashlight is an essential item for a Go bag list. Be sure to pack extra batteries as well. Remember your phone charger and any other chargers  you might need for devices like laptops. A charged battery bank will also come in handy.

A small toolkit can also be useful. Include items like a Swiss army knife with scissors and duct tape.

7. Cash

If ATMs and credit card machines are temporarily unavailable, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

8. Important documents

Pack copies of important documents like your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc. You should also pack insurance information and any other critical documents.

These are just a few of the essential items you should consider packing in your Go bag. Again, the specific contents will vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances. But this list is a good place to start!

Packing tips

Once you’ve compiled the items on your Go bag list, it’s time to start packing. Here are a few tips:

Use a sturdy bag

A Go bag should be durable and able to withstand being tossed around or jostled. A duffel bag or backpack works well. Make sure that the material is waterproof or at least somewhat water resistant, as your bag will be exposed to moisture.

Pack items tightly

You want to be able to fit as much into your Go bag as possible. So, pack items tightly and use any available space. Pack the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter items on top.

Use plastic bags

Ziploc bags are great for storing small items and keeping them organized. Store food items in airtight plastic bags to keep them fresh.

Label everything

It can be helpful to label your go bag contents with both a name and a brief description. This will help you find things quickly in an emergency.

Review your Go bag regularly

Periodically review the contents of your go bag to make sure everything is still in good condition and that nothing has expired. You may also want to add or remove items based on changes in your personal circumstances.

Recap

So, there you have it: everything you need to know about Go bags. In case of an emergency, make sure you’re prepared by having a Go bag of your own. And remember, the key is to keep it packed and ready so that you can grab it and go at a moment’s notice. Stay safe!