As wildfires rage throughout southern California, forcing mass evacuations across the state, you may be rethinking your own emergency strategy — not only how to ensure your family's safety in the event of a natural disaster, but also how to prepare for it.
Evacuations can be stressful enough without having to panic-organize supplies in the face of danger, which is why having a family emergency plan and packed "go bag" is so important.
A 2023 survey from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) showed that only 51 percent of Americans believe they're prepared in the event of a natural disaster, while only 37 percent acknowledged having an actual plan for evacuation.
In critical moments, emergency go bags are designed to help remove any additional stress from these threatening situations — that way you can focus entirely on keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe. If you're looking for an emergency kit list or want to know what's in a survival bag, ahead, we break down what the best go bags include — and where to stock up on your emergency supplies.
What to Pack in a Go Bag
For starters, the term 'bag' is used loosely within this context. A go bag doesn't necessarily have to be a backpack or sack, as the goal is simply to organize all of your most critical supplies in one area — that way you're able to evacuate quickly in the event of an emergency. Crates, bins, boxes, or anything that can be carried or transferred to a vehicle will suffice.
While the contents of a go bag or emergency supply kit may vary from one family to another, there are several essentials you should always make sure to have on hand in the event of a natural disaster or evacuation. Per the FEMA website, the agency recommends that people have enough supplies to last for several days — at minimum 72 hours. This includes everything from water — one gallon per person, per day — to nonperishable foods, a first aid kit, extra batteries, and a dust mask, among other items.
The US Department of State also provides a list of packing essentials on its website, with recommendations that include currency, documentation (passports, visas, a driver's license), and medical prescriptions.
Families with younger kiddos should also pack additional products according to their children's age. Those with infants will want to make sure their go bag is equipped with infant formula and baby wipes, while families with toddlers and older children should make sure to include items like an extra set of clothes and activity books that'll help to relax your kiddos and keep their mind's preoccupied.
Not sure where to start with organizing your go bag? Below, we created several lists of go bag essentials that are designed to provide you with a starting point, that way you can prepare for the unexpected.
1. Go Bag Essentials For Families
Sourcing recommendations from FEMA's website, we created a go bag packing list that's designed with all families in mind — whether you have a newborn or a tween.
The most critical supplies range from a thermal blanket to water bottles, a survival whistle, and a backup battery. Beyond what's included in the below list, we also recommend other items like loose cash, a driver's license, and copies of your most important documents — like a birth certificate or will.
- An LED Flashlight
- A Personal Hygiene Kit
- Storage Bags For Clothes
- An Emergency Blanket
- Sanitary Pads
- A Survival Whistle
- A First Aid Kit
- Face Masks
- Water
- Nonperishable Foods
- A Backup Battery
2. Go Bag Essentials For Families With an Infant
If you have an infant or newborn, these are additional products you'll want to have included in your go bag — on top of the essentials listed in our general go bag guide. Baby wipes and diapers are critical hygiene essentials, and you could also consider packing extra garbage bags to dispose of any full diapers. To keep your baby comfortable, be sure to have a pacifier handy, as well as any sensory toys they might like.
- Baby Wipes
- A Pacifier
- Formula Bottles
- Diapers
- Infant Formula
- Travel Baby Carrier
- Extra Clothes
3. Go Bag Essentials For Families With a Toddler
Your toddler might not be old enough to understand what's going on in the event of an evacuation, but with the below products, you can help calm their nerves.
On top of the essentials listed in our general packing guide, be sure to pack a couple extra outfits that they can change into — using vacuum storage bags, if necessary. Activity books, puzzles, and other toys will assist in keeping them occupied during an otherwise stressful situation — and provide them with a familiar feeling of home.
- Diaper Cream
- An Activity Book
- Travel Wipes
- Sippy Cups
- Diapers
- Extra Clothes
4. Go Bag Essentials For Families With Kids Aged 5
Throughout any evacuation or emergency situation, hydration is key — be sure to pack reusable water bottles for children especially to ensure they keep drinking. Additional items to consider packing for kiddos, tweens, and teens include: respiratory face masks, snacks like trail mix or fruit gummies, and portable phone chargers if they're old enough to have devices.
- An Activity Book
- Hand Sanitizer
- Face Masks
- Nonperishable Snacks
- A Travel Water Bottle
- A Phone Charger
5. Go Bag Essentials For Families With Pets
In an emergency situation, don't forget to take care of your pets. Products like a portable food and water bowl will ensure they stay nourished while away from home. Additionally, a reflective tag collar will provide an extra safety measure should they get separated from you.
- Portable Food and Water Bowls
- A Tag Collar
- A Pet First Aid Kit
How to build an Emergency Preparedness Kit
American Red Cross
