How to Create a Basic Go Bag
If you want to be prepared for a wide range of different emergencies, you should have a go
bag on hand. Simply put, this is a convenient bag you can grab at
a moment’s notice – and it should have ample supplies to help you
survive a variety of conditions for at least a couple of days.
But what exactly should you include in this bag? And how else
should you prepare for emergencies?
The Value of a Go Bag
Not everyone has the time, interest, or resources to build a
doomsday bunker or stockpile enough goods to last for decades.
Still, anything you do to prepare for an emergency has the
potential to pay off. A go bag is a nice middle ground, allowing you to be prepared enough to
mobilize and survive for several days, without forcing you to go overboard.
The idea is that, if an emergency strikes, you can grab your bag and be on the road in just a
few minutes. If you're concerned about the possibility of a major natural disaster, like a
hurricane, or civil unrest, this could be a literal lifesaver.
Emergency Preparedness
There is no substitute for emergency preparedness. Even if the odds of a catastrophic
emergency happening are small, that emergency could threaten your life and the lives of your
family members. It pays to prepare however you can.
If you have advanced warning of the emergency, you’ll have time to prepare your property
(and your family) – but you won’t always have that luxury. For example, if you know a major
storm is coming, you’ll have the chance to board up your windows, stock up on supplies, and
install protective measures to guard your home.
That said, you may not always have advanced warning, nor will you always have time to
prepare for an emergency situation. Even if you do have time to prepare, others will have
similar advanced notice, causing a run on critical supplies that could leave you without what
you need.
For that reason, it's important to prepare a go bag, at minimum, so it's ready whenever you
need it.
What Should You Have in a Basic Go Bag?
A basic go bag should include everything necessary to survive for at least several days. It
should also be small and compact enough that it's able to be transported by an average
person with minimal discomfort.
These are some of the most critical supplies to include:
· Water. Your top priority is having some kind of water source in your go bag. A small,
compact filtering system can enable you to make potable water out of almost any water
source, and a small container can help you transport that water from place to place. It's also
not a bad idea to have a couple of readily drinkable water bottles on hand.
· Food. You'll also want a few days of food in your go bag, as well as options for procuring
more food. Very dense, high-calorie foods are ideal here, as are freeze-dried foods that are
designed to last for decades and are made to be extremely compact.
· Currency. Next, make sure you have at least some money in your go bag, as you may not
have the opportunity to get back home anytime soon. Consider including both cash and
something tradeable, like gold or silver.
· Hygiene items. You should also include some basic hygiene items, including soap, a
toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. You may not have the opportunity to take a proper
shower or visit a bathroom for some time.
· Basic tools. Additionally, you'll need some basic tools, especially if you anticipate being
outdoors throughout the duration of the emergency. A knife, rope, duct tape, a source of fire,
multitools, and similar instruments are must-haves.
· Communication options. Bring communication items as well. Consider bringing a
traditional radio as well as backup batteries, and signaling devices like a flare gun or a whistle.
You should also bring extra batteries and chargers for your electronic devices, if you have the
opportunity to use them.
· Medical supplies. You can purchase a first aid kit or assemble one yourself. Either way,
it's important to include some basic medical supplies in your go bag.
· Clothes. Finally, include at least one change of clothes. If your clothes get wet or
damaged, you'll be glad you have them.
There are no hard rules for what you can or can't include in a go bag, so feel free to
experiment with different approaches and different styles. You may also want to create a go
bag for each of several different kinds of emergency, or for different lengths of time.
What's important is that you're adequately prepared for a range of possible emergencies that
could unfold in your future.