How to Organize a Go Bag for Natural Disasters
Last week, Texas experienced a severe winter storm with crazy low temperatures we haven’t seen since the 1980s.
Four million people lost electricity, heat, and water in the city of Houston alone - and sadly, 8 people lost their lives during the storm.
It’s clear that Texas is not built to withstand winter storms - as they’re so uncommon here - quite like the north. In northern states, homes are built to withstand icy, cold weather and snow and keep residents safe and warm regardless of the temperature outside.
Regardless, none of us should have had to suffer like we did this past week. It was absolutely unacceptable and I hope that what happened will never happen again.
Nonetheless, it got me thinking about how we could have been more prepared ourselves for the events of last week.
Do you have a Go Bag?
A Go Bag, also known as a BOB or Bug-Out Bag, is a portable kit filled with items you might need to survive for at least 72 hours during a natural disaster.
Some of these items may include band-aids, duct tape, glow sticks, a radio, water, toilet paper, tissues, batteries, and/or a first aid kit.
These bags are great to have in case of any natural disaster or crisis. All you have to do is grab them and go!
Since they’re portable, evacuating is faster and easier when you know you have what you need ready to go.
These bags are excellent for hurricanes, power outages, floods, winter storms, earthquakes, and more.
What Should I Put in my Go Bag?
It may depend on the type of disaster, but Ready.gov recommends adding the following to your go bag or disaster-ready kit:
Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First Aid Kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust Mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a back-up battery
Other supplies might include:
Prescription medications for you and your family
Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Cash or traveler’s checks
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
Important family documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Where do I keep my Go Bag?
Decide on a specific place to keep your Go Bag and discuss it with your family. Keep your bag ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure everyone knows where the bag is.
It’s also a great idea to keep one of these bags in your car in case you get stranded.
Hopefully these tips will help you and your family feel more prepared and secure throughout the year. It’s always smart to be prepared just in case!
