Importance of a Go Bag

Experiencing a recent emergency, I realize more than ever the importance of a “Go Bag.” I thought I was ready — I wasn’t. Please take the time to think about Go Bags for yourself and your family. Ideally, each family member and pet should have their own Go Bag, and the Go Bags should be stored in an easily accessible location.

What is a “Go Bag?” I believe the term “Go Bag” was first used during the immediate evacuations required during the fires in California. A Go Bag is a prepacked case/bag that you can grab quickly in the critical seconds of an evacuation. It should contain personal items that you may need over the next few days, weeks, or months.

Searching the Internet for important items to be included in a Go Bag, I liked Jeff Rossen’s recommendations in his article, A “Go Bag” Can Make All the Difference in an Emergency.

https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/packing-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-fd.html


He states, “Recent natural catastrophes, from hurricanes to western wildfires, are a fresh reminder that disaster can strike at any time. And no area of the country is immune, when you factor in the threat of tornadoes, earthquakes and human disasters like toxic spills. While the circumstances may differ, there’s one tip that every person needs to take from all these situations: how to pack a “go bag.”

https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/packing-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-fd.html

One of my Facebook friends asked what things I recommended for a Go Bag, and I do have some suggestions.

• First Aid Kit
• Medications or a list of your medications
• Extra pair of Glasses or your prescription for a new pair
• Personal items
• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• shampoo and conditioner
• hairbrush
• Food items
• Water and food
• can opener
• utensils
• Digital copies on flash drives
• Important papers
• Your passwords
• Portable Charger/Chargers for devices
• Phones
• Laptops
• iPads, etc.
• Radio and batteries (in case you cannot charge your devices)
• Flashlight

If there are general items that you would like included in this list, let me know.