Disaster preparedness: Packing an evacuation ‘go’ bag

With all the fires and evacuations in California and the hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods elsewhere, it is a good reminder to have an evacuation “go” bag at the ready. What happens if you need to swiftly vacate your home or RV with the chance of never being able to return with it intact? What do you need?

I have always had an evacuation bag ready to dump everything from our RV or home safe into: birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, cash, medications, financial info with account numbers, and hard drive with all our important info, as well as the scans of our photo albums on it.

I throw in our laptops, tablets, charging cables, solar charger, emergency crank-up radio and change of clothes for both of us. Several times we have had to vacate with the threat of severe storms and tornadoes headed our way, but never have we had to face returning to the devastation that so many others have.

In case of the potential of large scale devastation, FEMA has put together a much more comprehensive list:

Basic disaster supplies kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supplies kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water: one gallon per person per day for at least three days, (for drinking and sanitation)
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional emergency supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Face coverings or masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate, and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

For more information on building a “go” bag, a disaster supply checklist and other valuable disaster information, check out FEMA’s website.

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