EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
72-Hour Emergency
Go-Bag Checklist
Emergencies rarely happen on schedule. A well-prepared go-bag keeps essential supplies together so you can leave quickly when circumstances require it.
Sometimes called a bug-out bag or BOB, a go-bag is a portable collection of essential supplies intended to help you through the first several days of an emergency or evacuation.
BUILD YOUR BAG
Emergency Essentials
Tap a category to see what to consider packing.
- Drinking water
- Refillable water bottle
- Water filtration device
- Water purification tablets
- Electrolyte packets
- 3-day supply of shelf-stable food
- Protein or energy bars
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Manual can opener, if needed
- Basic eating utensils
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Personal medications
- Copies of prescriptions
- Pain reliever
- Antihistamine
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages and gauze
- Medical tape
- Disposable gloves
- Menstrual and personal-care products
- Spare eyeglasses or contacts, if needed
- Flashlight
- Headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Portable power bank
- Charging cables
- Car charger
- Battery or hand-crank emergency radio
- Cell phone
- Emergency contact list on paper
- Local paper map
- Emergency radio
- Permanent marker
- Pen and small notebook
- Whistle
- Driver's license or identification copy
- Insurance information
- Medical information
- Emergency contact information
- Birth certificate or passport copies, when appropriate
- Important account and contact information
- Recent photos of household members
- Relevant pet records
- Emergency cash
- Small bills
- Coins, if useful in your area
- Change of clothes
- Extra underwear
- Extra socks
- Sturdy shoes
- Weather-appropriate outer layer
- Rain protection
- Hat and work gloves
- Emergency blanket
- Lightweight blanket or sleeping bag
- Emergency poncho
- Compact tarp
- Appropriate seasonal protection
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toilet paper or tissues
- Menstrual products
- Small towel
- Trash bags
- Resealable plastic bags
- Face masks
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape
- Utility cord
- Weather-resistant emergency fire-starting supplies
- Emergency whistle
- Small sewing or repair kit
- N95 masks
- Work gloves
- Diapers and wipes, if applicable
- Formula and bottles, if needed
- Children's medications
- Comfort item
- Age-appropriate snacks
- Identification and contact information for children
- Activities that do not require electricity
- Pet food
- Water
- Collapsible bowls
- Leash and harness
- Carrier, when appropriate
- Pet medications
- Waste bags
- Veterinary records and a current photo of your pet
DON'T FORGET
The bag is only part of the plan.
Make sure the people in your household know the basics of your emergency plan before an emergency happens.
Review food, water, medications, batteries, clothing, documents, and other time-sensitive supplies periodically. Replace expired items and update the bag as your household needs change.