In times of natural calamities like wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, the most crucial step is to be prepared for immediate evacuation. A ‘go bag’ filled with essential supplies can make a significant difference in ensuring your family’s safety.
Go bags are designed to provide everything needed to survive for several days post-disaster. Preparedness not only eases the burden on response systems but also helps you stay calm and collected during emergencies.
Your Must-Haves
Most of the items needed for a go bag can be found around your house. FEMA recommends including essential items such as one gallon of water per person per day, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, prescription medications, a battery-powered radio, and flashlights. Don’t forget a first-aid kit and a wrench to turn off utilities.
Extended lists may include emergency blankets, extra cash, solar chargers, and multi-purpose tools like a Swiss Army knife. Additionally, digital copies of important documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, and passports should be included. Over-the-counter and prescription medications for every family member are a must.
Are the Roads Clear?
Printed maps are also essential. Samantha Montano, assistant professor of emergency management, advises having maps with two clear exit routes. With the pandemic reshaping our routines, it’s crucial to regularly update your evacuation plans.
Planning how to evacuate, including transportation and accommodation, is more important than ever. The pandemic may have rendered your previous plans obsolete.
Coronavirus Considerations
The pandemic has introduced new requirements for your go bag. Ensure you have an N95 mask without a valve. Masks with valves don’t filter outflow, potentially exposing others to Covid-19.
The CDC recommends including cloth face coverings, mess kits, hand sanitiser, protective equipment, prescription eyeglasses, and infant formula in your go bag.
The American Red Cross has also provided a checklist that matches these guidelines, emphasising items to minimise Covid-19 risks.
Is It Time to Leave Yet?
Eric Alberts, the corporate director of emergency preparedness, suggests rethinking your ‘go plan’ due to the pandemic. Leaving before an official warning can help you avoid harm and stay physically distanced.
Authorities may not ask people to evacuate unless their homes are unsafe or they are in a mandatory zone. Be proactive and leave early to avoid errors and exposure to other risks.
A Video Record of Your Home
Taking a video of your home’s contents is a useful step. If your home is destroyed, this can assist the insurance company in assessing the damage.
Jonathan Sury from Columbia University advises that video records can be vital for identification and compensation post-disaster. The Preparedness Wizard app from Sury’s organisation can help determine readiness and provide practical information.
Don’t Forget the Stuffed Animals
Besides the essentials, remember to pack items to comfort your children. Teddy bears, favourite books, and tablets can help soothe their fears during evacuation.
Rosie Monson, who evacuated during the Kincade fire, stresses the importance of bringing cherished possessions. Her children, still cherish everything they managed to save during their evacuation. These comfort items can help maintain a sense of normalcy for children.
Always Be Ready
Being prepared extends beyond just having a go bag. Samantha Montano highlights that preparedness is influenced by multiple factors, including social networks and local government preparedness.
Understanding these elements and building a comprehensive plan will ensure you are truly ready to face any disaster.
Ensuring you have a well-prepared go bag is a fundamental step in disaster readiness. It provides the resources needed for survival and helps maintain mental composure during crises.
Remember, preparation goes beyond the bag. Regularly updating your plans and considering all influencing factors will put you in the best position to handle any emergency efficiently.
