What to Pack in Your Go-Bag for an Emergency Evacuation

Natural disasters often arrive without warning, turning the everyday into the unimaginable. Whether it's a wildfire, flood, earthquake, or hurricane, preparing for an emergency evacuation starts with a clear plan and a well-packed go-bag. Knowing what to bring with you during a crisis can make all the difference, not just for your physical safety, but for your emotional well-being, too.

Planning for More Than Just Survival

While non-perishable food and water are essential, packing for an emergency is also about maintaining a sense of normalcy. “Your go-bag is more than a survival kit,” says Alicia D. Johnson, a disaster preparedness expert and former emergency management director at UC Berkeley. “It’s a bridge between crisis and comfort.”

Being mentally ready is just as critical as having the right gear. Understand which types of disasters are common in your area, talk with neighbors about evacuation strategies, and create a buddy system to check on each other if an emergency occurs.

What to Pack in Your Go-Bag

The U.S. Department of State and emergency response professionals agree that your bag should contain the following essentials:

• First aid kit and a two-week supply of medications

• Chargers and backup batteries for electronics

• Non-perishable food and snacks

• Drinking water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)

• Spare clothing and layers

• Important documents: passports, IDs, medical records, insurance policies

• Cash in small bills

• Sanitation supplies: wipes, hand sanitizer, menstrual products, toilet paper

Here’s a closer look at how to organize your go-bag for maximum functionality and comfort:

1. Medical and Health Essentials

• A basic first aid kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, burn cream, and gloves

• At least 14 days’ worth of prescription medications

• Copies of prescriptions and a small cooler for medications requiring refrigeration

2. Food and Water

• Protein-packed snacks like trail mix, peanut butter, foil-packed tuna or chicken

• Shelf-stable carbohydrates: crackers, dried fruit, instant oatmeal

• Manual can opener

• Pet food and water if applicable

3. Emergency-Specific Gear

• For flooding: waterproof gear, rain boots, ponchos

• For wildfires: N95 masks to help reduce smoke inhalation

• For all scenarios: flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, a portable radio (not reliant on Wi-Fi or data)

4. Comfort and Daily Living Items

• Sleeping bag, pillow, blanket

• Portable toilet or sanitation kit

• Journal, favorite book, or headphones

• Comfort items for children like a stuffed animal or blanket

A study from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness found that people are significantly more likely to recover psychologically from a disaster if they had time to prepare. Little things like a journal or familiar scent can help restore a sense of control during unpredictable times.

5. Sentimental and Practical Extras

• Irreplaceable items: heirloom jewelry, photo albums, meaningful keepsakes

• Work-from-home tools: laptop, charger, Bluetooth mouse, file backups

If you have at least 30 minutes before evacuating, take a moment to grab these personal items. They may not be essential for survival, but they’re often crucial for emotional healing.

Update and Repeat: How Often to Check Your Go-Bag

Emergency preparedness isn’t one-and-done. Experts recommend reviewing your bag every six months to swap out expired medications, rotate food and water supplies, and adjust for seasonal weather. Consider having additional go-bags in your car or workplace.

Support for Life After the Disaster Recovering from a crisis goes beyond the initial evacuation. Accessing support is key to navigating the physical, emotional, and financial toll. Here are trusted disaster relief organizations to keep on hand:

• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

• American Red Cross

• Project HOPE

• All Hands and Hearts

• Mutual Aid Disaster Relief

• International Medical Corps

In the face of chaos, your go-bag offers more than emergency supplies it’s a small sense of agency in an unpredictable world. Thoughtful planning can reduce fear, keep you safe, and even provide comfort in the toughest circumstances.

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