Go-Bag Checklist: What to Pack for an Emergency Evacuation

No one wants to think they’ll ever have to leave their home due to an impending natural disaster, but when you plan for the worst, it can help alleviate some stress and anxiety. Packing a go-bag is an essential step in ensuring you take some of the comforts of your home with you. But planning for an emergency evacuation takes more than just packing a bag—it’s also a mindset, says Alicia D. Johnson, MPA, founder of Two Lynchpin Road, which helps communities and organizations prepare for disasters. Whether you’re facing the threat of a wildfire, hurricane, flooding, landslide, earthquake, or other natural disaster, here’s what you can do to better prepare for an emergency situation.

Know what’s going on

Beyond stocking up on non-perishable food and water, part of preparing for natural disasters is understanding that they can happen where you live, says Johnson, the former director of emergency management at the University of California, Berkeley.

“Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the disasters you read about and see on TV,” Johnson tells Well+Good. “Ask them about their plans and make your own. If you can, make plans together in a buddy system to help make sure everyone stays on track.”

Keeping track of local news and emergency reports in your area can help secure yourself and your loved ones when an emergency strikes. 

Remember, being prepared means thinking of everyone who might be impacted. “You need to have a plan for your family, including your pets and anybody who needs special assistance, such as elderly people, people with medical conditions, or people who may need electricity to live,” says John Roberts, MD, MPH, senior emergency health advisor for the Emergency Response Unit at International Medical Corps.

What to include in a go-bag

Packing a go bag is essential in any emergency as it will be your lifeline for maintaining some sort of normalcy and routine during the disaster and in the aftermath. According to the U.S. Department of State, every go bag should have:

• First aid kit and medications
• Prescriptions
• Batteries
• Chargers for electronics
• Clothing
• Non-perishable meals and snacks
• Water
• Important paperwork like passports and visas, birth and marriage certificates
• Health, home, and auto insurance policies, and medical records
• Cash
• Sanitation supplies

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential items to include:

First aid kit and medications

“The first aid kit doesn’t need to be overly complex, but you should be able to treat minor burns and wounds and be able to clean and dress wounds,” says Dr. Roberts.

If you take medications for a chronic illness, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, pack at least a two-week supply. “Because even if you’re out of danger, you can sometimes have trouble refilling prescriptions in a disaster if the healthcare system is also affected,” notes Dr. Roberts. Bring copies of your prescription information for refills and pack a small cooler if your medication needs refrigeration.  

Non-perishable food and water

In a natural disaster, you may not have access to a refrigerator or stove, so it's key to pack shelf-stable foods and water. Consider bringing granola bars, instant oatmeal, trail mix, and small canned goods like tuna, salmon, chicken, and beans. 

“Include a mix of protein sources like tuna in foil packets, along with carbs like crackers, granola, and dried fruits,” Dr. Roberts says. And don’t forget to pack a can opener if you bring canned goods. 

If you have a pet, include their food, water, and medications. (FYI: Each person or pet needs a gallon of water daily.) To put into perspective how much food and water you need to take with you, your supplies should last for at least 72 hours, Dr. Roberts adds. 

Post-emergency essentials

Packing for an emergency disaster means planning for both evacuating and sheltering in place. Consider the type of disaster in your area and what supplies you’ll need. For example, if you’re dealing with flooding from a hurricane, take along rain boots, extra-warm socks, a raincoat or disposable ponchos, and other water-resistant gear.

If you live near areas affected by wildfires, you’ll want to pack N95 masks, which can help filter out harmful air particles and dust. Unlike other masks, N95s allow you to adjust the straps and metal bar over your nose, helping you make a stronger seal.  “N95 masks do not seal as well, but they are better than surgical masks when it comes to filtering dust,” says Dr. Roberts.

Because the luxuries of a house may not be available when evacuating to a shelter, you may also want to bring camping supplies, like a sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, a portable toilet, toilet paper, and a headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries). Dr. Roberts advises that you shouldn’t rely on your smartphone for external light. “It’s also a good idea to have a radio, as it could be the only reliable source of information.”

Don’t forget comfort items

In addition to the basics of food, water, a first aid kit, medications, and important documents, you should also consider packing items that will comfort you and help relieve anxiety. For example, you might want to bring a backup lovey for your kid, a journal to jot down your thoughts, a favorite book, a bottle of calming essential oils, or even headphones to listen to your favorite podcast or music. 

“People might benefit from small, familiar objects to better cope with stress, and that will vary, based on the person,” Dr. Roberts says.

Consider your irreplaceable mementos 

Most people don’t consider taking with them things they cannot replace. So, if you have time—30 minutes or more—consider putting items that hold special meaning or memories in a box or a separate bag that you can easily take when you head out the door. 

Perhaps it’s valuable jewelry, a treasured wedding gown, your grandmother’s quilt, or art. “Those special objects are very individual, but what is universal is the need to think about that before the time comes,” Johnson says.   

Other than special items, consider taking things you might need to work remotely, such as your laptop, a backup of your files, headphones, and a Bluetooth mouse.

How often should you evaluate your go-bag and plan?

Dr. Roberts says most disaster relief experts recommend reviewing your go-bag every six months to help ensure that your medications and food haven’t expired. You need to be ready whenever and wherever a disaster may strike, so you may want to consider having a bag in your car and where you work, in addition to having one in your home. 

Important disaster relief services

Healing emotionally, physically, and financially after a disaster is a long road, so ensuring you have resources will be key. Here are some helpful resources to help you get through after a disaster:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Disaster Assistance Programs
• American Red Cross
• All Hands and Hearts
• Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
• Project HOPE
• International Medical Corps

Evacuating for an emergency is stressful, but careful planning and packing can help ease some of the anxiety. In addition to packing the essentials, taking some comfort items and sentimental belongings can give you peace of mind. Remember, planning for an emergency evacuation means planning for the recovery, too, so keep a list of disaster relief organizations handy and lean on them for support as you return to your daily routine.