As discussed in the Intro to Preparedness post, there are several different situations for which you might need supplies. This post discusses the “go-bag” (grab’n’go bag, bug out bag, SHTF bag, etc), or what you will ideally take with you if you are at home and need to evacuate to a friend’s place, family member’s place, or to an evacuation centre.
A lot of guides will tell you to keep a bag of goods stashed somewhere near your door so you can grab it in a hurry and know you’ve got the essentials. This isn’t wrong, but it’s not the whole story.
Especially if money is tight, some of your evacuation needs will double as everyday items. (Wallet and phone, for a couple of obvious examples!) But you do want to be able to grab everything in a short period of time. I suggest the ‘fridge list’ – a quick checklist on your fridge that specifies what items aren’t in the bag and need to be thrown in before you scarper. Under pressure, it can be hard to think and remember calmly, and having the ease of the checklist minimises the risk of forgetting something important.
It might look like this:
- Wallet
- Cell phone
- Prescription meds (fridge)
- Power-bank (middle pocket of work bag)
- Raincoat (hanging in front hallway)
- Sleeping bag (wardrobe shelf)
As for what should be in your go-bag, here are some suggestions, in no particular order (customise according to your resources, preferences, and needs):
- Wallet (including CASH)
- Cell phone
- Prescription medicines
- Power-bank
- Charging cable/s (USB and/or wall plug)
- First aid kit, including painkillers, antihistamines, etc.
- Menstrual products (if relevant)
- Toilet paper and hand sanitiser
- Underwear and socks
- Warm gloves and base layers (depending on climate)
- Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, etc)
- Rubbish bags
- Water and snacks
- Playing cards or other small game
This is not a complete list. Feel free to add to it. If you are responsible for another person you will need to have supplies for them as well, including any personal items or medications. The same goes for pets! Whether this is a separate bag or you just have one large bag is up to you but be prepared to carry your bag in case you are evacuating on foot (roads damaged).
Finally, it’s good to do a stocktake of any perishables in your bag on a regular basis – things like food, water, medications, batteries, etc. I use daylight savings changes as a reminder to check expiry dates (at the same time as I check my smoke alarm batteries), but any significant date will work, and you can set a calendar reminder if that makes it easier to remember.
