Today's post is the fifth in the prepping series. The first post outlined the five inexpensive and versatile foods to stock first, the second post gave some tips on how to ensure easy access to fresh fruits and veggies during a crisis, the third discussed how to navigate power interruptions, and the fourth got you geared up for gardening and foraging with resilience.
This post will be a short one listing out what to put in a "go bag." Living in Minnesota, I am used to creating a similar type bag to keep in my car over the Winter months in case my car slides off the road into the ditch or my car dies. It contains a blanket, hand warmers, granola bars, etc. to keep me warm and fed until being rescued. Luckily, I have never needed it, but it's a comfort to have prepared just in case.
A "go bag" is very similar. It's simply a pre-packed bag (any bag will do, but a backpack would be easier to travel with) containing items that you would need to quickly evacuate for approximately three days.
Where you plan to go for three days influences what you ought to pack in your bag. If you plan to go to a friend's remote cabin, you would possibly just need supplies to sustain you until you got there. If you needed to walk to Canada or planned to stick it out deep in the woods for a few days near your home, you might need more intense cooking and camping supplies. No matter where you are going, you should pack important documents.
A list of items to get you thinking about what you might need:
- Change of clothes, including multiple pairs of socks
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Eyeglasses, if needed
- Medication, if needed
- First aid and hygiene - wet wipes, hand sanitizer, feminine needs, toilet paper
- Water carrier and travel water purifier
- Food
- Flashlight with batteries
- Knife and/or multi-purpose tool
- Fire starter
- Tent and blanket, if possible
- Phone and/or meshtastic device
- Powered charging bank for your phone
- Cash, ATM card, and credit cards
- Important documents - passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, passwords, immunization cards
- Laminated list of important phone numbers
- State map (you can get one for free usually at any rest stop)
- Don't forget your pets - dog food, treats, water bowl, water, harness, leash
Determine what from this list is important for your specific needs. Add or delete items as needed. If you're able to start working in a pair of hiking boots, it might be beneficial. If it's during the Winter months, you will also need hats/gloves, heat blanket, hand warmers, etc. If it's during the Summer, you may need to ensure you have adequate water, sunglasses, rain gear, and neck gaiter.
If you are able to get out of dodge with your car, gas is still flowing, and you have time to pack your car, make a list of items you would throw in. Maybe:
- Car phone charger
- Plug-in cooler
- Pots, dinnerware, and utensils
- Additional food
- Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
- Tarp and/or tent
- More clothes
- Atlas
- Extra gas
Share your plan with friends and family so they are in the loop.
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