exigency preparation is one of those thing that can be easy to put off for another day . But given thewildfiresraging throughout Los Angeles County in California , the importance of being ready to go at a minute ’s notice in the event of anatural disasteror alike ruinous event has never been clearer .
One way to stay safe in the thick of a sudden crisis is bypacking a go - bag , mean an exigency carryall with just - in - case supply . A go - udder ’s contents will vary accord to your personal needs , but expert typically hint let in a few staple items .
What to Pack for Food
We do n’t advocate becoming a walking foodstuff store , but every go - bagshould includeat least a three - solar day food supplying , and at least one gallon of urine per person per twenty-four hour period . That said , do n’t just foray into your buttery for leftover bags of chips or Lunchables and lay away them in a duffel grip . Opt rather for healthy non - perishables , like sack or cans of tuna and bean ( do n’t forget a manual of arms can opener ! ) and protein or granola bars .
Pre - packaged nut , trail mix , beef jerky , and peanut butter are other expert option , as they have tons of energy - boosting protein . You ’ll also need mint of water for bothhydration and sanitation purposes , but if you do n’t want to weigh down your pack with multi - gallon bottle , consider bringing water - purifying tablet , mini - filter , or a reusable urine bottle equipped with a filter .
What to Pack for Tools and Supplies
Additional go - bag items include aprepackaged first economic aid kit(customize it by adding your prescription medicine to the mix ) , an pinch whistling , a wrench or plyers ( for turning off piss valves , circuit boxes , and gas appliances ) , a torch and extra batteries , a battery- or hand - powered radio , and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert . These point are all likely uncommitted at your local big box outdoors store .
Other less obvious — but no less important — supplies let in : a debris mask ( it helps filter contaminated air ) ; credit card sheeting and channel tape ( to retrace a makeshift shelter ) ; and wet wipes , trash base , and credit card ties ( to stay clear and hygienic in the absence seizure of shower and routine drivel collection ) .
Should You Rely On Smartphones?
In a word ? No . Cell sound can be just as useful in a crisis as they are for checking social medium feeds , but you should pack some onetime - fashioned local maps along with extra chargers and earphone battery . That way , if you mislay service , you wo n’t be stuck relying on a malfunction Google Maps varlet to feel your way .
What To Look for in a Bag
While shopping for your go - bagful ( itshould be perdurable , yet lightweight ) , face for a tumid waterproof sac to store money , credit cards , and essential documents , include copy of your passport and visas ; your driver ’s license ; and your marriage , nascence , adoption , and naturalization certificates . If youhave petsor an older relative , you may also want to purchase and pack a second bag just for them .
While essential , thesego - base suggestionsare by no means comprehensive . Feel free to supply extra supply , or pull off the ones above as needed . But since catastrophe can strike at any time , do consider packing three disjoined go - udder : one for habitation , one for work , and another for your car . Hopefully , you ’ll never ask them — but it ’s always worth your peace of judgment to have them .
Read More About Emergency Preparedness Below :
A version of this article earlier run in 2017 and has been updated for 2025 .
