What to Pack in a Disaster Evacuation Bag

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The last thing on anyone’s mind when traveling is an emergency evacuation.  But sometimes things happen. Whether it’s a fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster, you should be prepared and know what to pack in a disaster evacuation bag (go bag). These also come in handy when you have no power because PG&E or other electric company shuts off your power.

What to Pack in a Disaster Evacuation Bag

How to handle evacuations when traveling will be covered in another post. Nine fires in my immediate area have me and every other North San Diego resident preoccupied with evacuations and emergency preparedness. I put together a Go Bag list because several neighbors were asking what to pack in a disaster evacuation bag.

Go Bag Contents

A Go Bag is for when you have only minutes to evacuate.  If you pack your Go Bag in advance, you can literally grab it, go, and have everything you need. The best Go Bag is a waterproof backpack because it’s lightweight, can be easily carried, and leaves your hands free

Each family member should have their own Go Bag. If you want something more low profile, you can buy high quality inexpensive waterproof backpacks from Mountain Hardware. The only disadvantage of these backs is the single compartment. Which means you have to root around and waste time looking for stuff.

This sturdy, durable backpack with multiple compartments is my pick. It’s a great value for what you get and very reasonably priced. Plus there’s a spot for everything. Or you can spend a lot of money and get this military styled bag.

If you don’t want to put together your own disaster evacuation bag you can buy already made go bags that include water, food, and emergency supplies like this two-person emergency kit that includes some supplies or this more comprehensive survival kit for two people.

Pro-tip: Whether you buy a premade disaster kit or assemble your own, pay attention to expiration dates on water and food and replace when necessary.

What to pack in a disaster evacuation bag

Here’s what’s in my Go Bag.

Cash

Have enough cash for 4 to 5 days (in small bills) and 2 rolls of quarters. If the power is out, credit card machines and debit machines may not work. You’ll need cash for food, water, and transportation.

Water

A disaster evacuation bag should have 3 days worth of water. These emergency water pouches, the same ones used by the US Coast Guard, are convenient, easy to use and there’s no BPA.

Cell Phone

You should have a cell phone (SIM card enabled) phone in your go bag.

Protein Bars

Protein bars or power bars are a good meal replacement and should be included in your evacuation kit.

First Aid Supplies

Your go bag should include First Aid supplies:

• First Aid Kit
• Pharmaceutical grade crazy skin glue (i.e. Dermabond)
• Maxi Pads (to be used as large bandages)
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Surgical tape (waterproof)
• Prescription medications (2 weeks worth)

Clothes

Have a set of clothes in your disaster evacuation bag. Avoid bulky clothes. Layers work best. Be sure to pack three pairs of underwear socks.

Running Shoes

Pack a pair of running shoes in your go bag.

Emergency Supplies

Your disaster evacuation go bag should include these emergency supplies:

• Mylar emergency blanket
• Flashlight (crank style is best)
• Industrial grade glow sticks
• Whistle
• Swiss army knife
• Leather work gloves
• Hand and feet warmers
• Rope
• Duct tape
• Large black trash bags
• Plastic sheeting
• Plastic tie-downs
• 2 dust masks (heavy-duty respirator type is best)
• Goggles

Sharpie and Notepad

Having a Sharpie and notepad in your go bag is crucial. A Sharpie lets you write notes, make signs, and communicate. This is especially important if you can’t talk due to injury, weather conditions, or other reasons.

Copies

Your disaster bag should have copies of these documents:

• Copies of prescription medications, eyeglasses, and contacts
• Copies of children’s immunization records
• Copies of medical, dental, and prescription cards
• Copies of birth certificate, adoption certificate, marriage certificate
• Copy of passports, Green cards, and visas
• Copy of Social Security card and driver’s license
• List of bank account numbers, loans, credit cards, and contact information
• Copy of first two pages of last year’s federal and state income tax returns
• External hard drive with latest computer backup
• List of user names and passwords
• Copy of deed to house and other property
• Copy of title to house, car, and other property
• Copy of wills and/or trust
• Copy of durable power of attorney
• Copy of healthcare directives
• Copy of stock and bond certificates and investment statements

Printable Copy

You can download a pdf printable of my What to pack in an evacuation or Go Bag.

What’s in your go bag?

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