Preparing “Go Bags”

A Go-Bag or Bug-Out Bag is packed with supplies and ready to take with you. These are your personal emergency bags you grab, when say, the fireman or police officer knocks on your door and tells you to evacuate immediately. It’s recommended that you prepare a personalized go-bag for each member of the family, including pets. While gathering your emergency kit, pack a go-bag for each family member. These bags should include items like lifesaving prescriptions, food, water, and extra clothing to get you through the first few critical days.

When you make your family plan, make sure everyone know where the go-bags are stored at your house. Give someone the job of making sure all the go-bags go with you if your family has to leave. Have a plan for checking the supplies in your go-bag so that they do not expire .

Click here for a document recommending short-term, mid-term and long-term Grab and Go kits.

Click the YouTube video at left to see Stratfor Chief Security Officer Fred Burton outline some common items everyone in your family should have in their emergency go-bag. While you can’t anticipate every possible disaster scenario, you can take steps to prepare yourselves you’re your families for the unexpected. He recommends that every person or family should create a fly-away or go bag (sometimes called a “bug-out bag”) that can be used to ensure they are not caught unprepared.

Click the YouTube video at left to hear Extension Food Specialist Barbara Brown (Oklahoma Gardening) describe how to create a ready kit that would be taken with you in the event of an emergency where you had to evacuate your home and manage for at least three days.

Click the YouTube video at left to gain more ideas for preparing a bug-out bag - possible items to add. Its a straight forward and practical video clarifying that you don’t have to purchase expensive gear. Bug out bags are personal and contents will vary from one person to the next. As mentioned here, there are many go-bag videos on YouTube.