Whether it’s hurricane season or another type of disaster looms, it is important to be ready at a moment’s notice. By assembling emergency go bags for you and your loved ones, you’ll have what you need when you need it most. The list below, while not exhaustive, will help you assemble important items now so that you and your family are ready to go anytime.

Go Bag Essentials

• Waterproof container with important documents such as birth certificates, identification, bank information, and insurance policies
• One gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days
• Three-day supply of nonperishable food and a can opener if you are including canned food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio receiver with tone alert
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Prescription medicine, contact lenses, and any prescription glasses
• Cellphone with power bank in a waterproof, resealable bag
• Diapers, wipes, and infant formula

Other Useful Items

Other items to include, if you have space:

• Cash or travelers checks
• Sleeping bags or warm blanket
• Climate-appropriate complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes for each person
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items
• Paper cups and plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, and toilet paper
• Pet food with extra water
• Water purification tablets or unscented household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect drinking water (Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach for use as a disinfectant, or in an emergency, treat water by putting 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach in a gallon of water.)
• Paper and pencil