In the face of hurricanes or other natural disasters, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security advises that you create a go bag with essential items for a quick evacuation from your home.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes, as well as man-made emergencies like chemical spills, can impact anyone.

If a storm or another disaster threatens your household, would you be ready? Depending on the emergency, you might need to stay indoors for safety, or you may have to evacuate.

Having the following items in your go bag can be a lifesaver in such situations:

What to Include in a Go Bag

Your go bag should ideally be a lightweight and compact backpack that’s easy to grab when you need to leave quickly. Be sure to pack personal care items, food, water, and toiletries.

Here’s how to organize your kit:

Choosing the Right Bag

Opt for a lightweight and portable bag. A rolling suitcase may also work, but remember, you might need to move quickly!

Essential Hygiene and Safety Items

Keep Electronics Accessible:

Use your devices sparingly. Always have your phone with you for emergencies, but only use it when necessary to keep lines clear for emergency services.

Personal Belongings:

Wear layers that are easy to adjust based on temperature. Prepare for any weather conditions. Include hygiene products, an extra pair of glasses, insect repellent, matches, a multipurpose tool or pocketknife, and a first aid kit that contains any prescription medications.

In case of widespread power outages where credit cards may not work, keep some cash and coins handy, along with your house and car keys.

Food and Water:

Make sure to pack bottled water. Have enough food to last at least one day for each person in your household. Nonperishable food, like energy bars and granola, is a great option since it takes up little space.

Important Documents:

Keep photocopies of essential documents such as proof of address, driver’s license, insurance policies, adoption papers, or naturalization certificates. Also, include copies of Social Security cards, medical records, and credit card info, all stored in a waterproof bag.

Don’t forget to visit the Red Cross Emergency Library for checklists and additional safety resources.

Supplies for Sheltering in Place

If you’re planning to shelter in place, ensure you have enough supplies to last two weeks. Stock up on dried and canned foods, water, prescription medications, first aid supplies, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items. A large plastic container can help store these supplies in an easily accessible location.

Select a secure area with minimal windows and doors for sheltering. Stay put until officials inform you that it’s safe to exit.

If you own a portable generator for outages, always use it outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which claims over 150 lives each year.

Planning for Pets

Never leave your pets behind during an emergency. They can become injured, lost, or worse. Prepare an emergency pack for your pets ahead of time.

Ensure each pet has a carrier labeled with their name and your contact information. Prepare supplies of food and water for at least two weeks, along with dog waste bags and cat litter.

Keep copies of their medical records, including vaccinations for rabies and other diseases. Practicing an evacuation plan with your pets can also be beneficial so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Travel Tips During Evacuations

If you need to leave your home, try to remain calm. Disconnect major appliances but do not unplug the refrigerator or freezer unless flooding is expected. Ensure your home is secure by locking all doors and windows.

Pack go bags for each family member, including pets. Stay alert on the road and avoid aggressive driving. Follow traffic signs and avoid speeding to prevent accidents that could delay your evacuation.

Helping Young Children During Emergencies

Start by discussing with your kids the types of disasters that may occur in your area and the importance of having a safety plan. Answer their questions honestly but keep the information suitable for their age.

Young children may be curious about what causes natural disasters, and you can learn and answer those questions together.

To help you prepare for natural disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready.gov/kids website offers useful resources and age-appropriate information tailored to your location.

Safety in a Public Shelter

If a disaster forces you to leave your home, consider potential emergency destinations, like a friend’s residence in a different town, a motel, or a public shelter.

Before heading to a public shelter, confirm that it is open and has available space. Also, check their pet policy if applicable.

While in the shelter, try to maintain distance between yourself and individuals outside of your immediate family. Avoid touching communal surfaces such as handrails when possible. Remember to clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after coming into contact with surfaces. Keeping your area tidy is also important.

For further information, visit: disasterassistance.gov.