Go-bag checklist

A go-bag is what you grab when you have five minutes to leave. Pack it for 72 hours, keep it where you can reach it, and check it twice a year.

Water and food

• Water: at least 1 litre carried, plus a filter or tablets. See Water.
• 3 days of food that needs no cooking: bars, nuts, dried fruit, nut butter.
• Metal cup or pot to boil water.

Shelter and warmth

• Emergency blanket or bivvy, and a small tarp.
• Rain jacket, warm hat, gloves, a dry base layer and spare socks.
• Lighter, waterproof matches and a ferro rod; tinder in a sealed bag. See Fire.

Light and communication

• Headlamp and spare batteries.
• Whistle and signal mirror. See Signalling.
• Hand-crank or battery NOAA weather radio. See Radio.
• Phone charger and a charged power bank; a written list of phone numbers.
• A two-way radio and your communication plan. See Communication plan.

Health

• First-aid kit with a tourniquet, gauze, tape, gloves and pain relief. See First aid.
• A week of prescription medicines, copies of prescriptions, and spare glasses.
• Hand sanitiser, soap, toilet paper, sanitary items, masks.

Tools and documents

• Knife or multi-tool, duct tape, paracord.
• Paper map of your area and a compass. See Navigation.
• Copies of ID, insurance and bank details in a waterproof bag; some cash in small notes.

For others

Items for children, older relatives and pets: nappies, formula, mobility aids, pet food and leads.

Sources

• Ready.gov: Build a kit (FEMA, US government, public domain)
• American Red Cross: Survival kit supplies (links only)