Go-bag and home kit
A ready-made kit for home, work and car: water, food, radio, light, first aid, medicines and copies of documents.
The basics
- 1Water: 1 gallon per person per day for several days.
- 2Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, plus a manual can opener.
- 3A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, ideally with weather alerts.
- 4A flashlight, extra batteries, and a phone charger with a backup battery.
- 5A first aid kit, and a whistle to signal for help.
- 6Dust masks, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place.
- 7Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation.
- 8A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and local paper maps.
Add for your household
- 1Prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and glasses or contact lenses.
- 2Infant formula, nappies and supplies for pets.
- 3Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag, and some cash.
- 4Warm clothes, sturdy shoes, a sleeping bag or blanket per person.
- 5A fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, and hygiene items.
- 6Something to keep children occupied.
Keep it ready
- 1Keep a kit at home, a smaller one at work, and one in the car.
- 2Store food somewhere cool and dry, in sealed containers.
- 3Check it every year: replace anything expired and update it as your household changes.
Sources
A summary of the sources above, not a substitute for official instructions or medical advice. In an emergency, follow your local authorities and call your emergency number.