Rapid response bags: Keep essential items accessible
Prepare your evacuation bag today and keep it conveniently located in one easily accessible place.
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While each person's and family's evacuation bag may have unique contents tailored to their specific needs, we aim to outline the primary categories of essentials to offer guidance in this endeavor.
Although it can be emotionally challenging, it's crucial to remember that preparedness can alleviate fear, anxiety, and potential losses. This is an essential step that demands minimal effort but is imperative for the safety of both ourselves and our families.
This list of essential items will serve as your roadmap through the process.
Documents and additional money:
- Copies of essential documents, both physical and digital, such as passports, medical records, property deeds, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.
- Contact numbers for family members and emergency hotlines
- Extra cash and valuable items like jewelry
Hygiene items:
- Personal hygiene essentials, including face masks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, hand cream, etc.
- Soap, disinfectants, wet and dry wipes, and a small dishwashing liquid container
- Sanitary pads and toilet paper
- Garbage bags
Devices:
- Charged phone battery and charging cable
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Whistle for signaling
Food and water:
- Four liters of water per person for three days of evacuation, along with a two-week supply to keep at home.
- Three days' worth of food for evacuation, along with a two-week supply to keep at home; consider both non-perishable and perishable options.
- Pay special attention to the dietary needs of family members, including children and pets; ensure the bag includes suitable food.
- Unbreakable dishes, a sharp knife, a sponge, and a small container of dish soap
First aid kit:
The following are key items the Red Cross recommends for a first aid kit. However, each family should customize its medical box based on your doctor's instructions and diagnoses. We recommend discussing this with your pediatrician or family physician during your next visit.
- Pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, laxatives, etc.
- Bandages of various widths, both sterile and non-sterile
- Hypoallergenic self-adhesive elastic bandages for skin
- Assorted adhesive tapes or plasters for wound closure
- Bandage pads and tampons in multiple sizes (e.g., 10x10 cm, 7.5x10 cm) along with sterile bandages
- Sterile waterproof plasters
- Cotton balls
- Rubbing alcohol
- Betadine solution
- Medium-sized steel scissors
- Disposable gloves, both sterile and non-sterile
- Tweezers
- A notebook and pen or pencil
- Liquid disinfectant
- Antiseptic and anti-itch cream
- Soap or hand sanitizer
- Cooling packs (ice packs)
- Digital thermometer
- String or twine
Clothing:
- Three changes of clothes and underwear for family members
- Sneakers
- Covers, small towels, and one large towel
- Sleeping bag
Take into consideration:
Gather all your children's essentials, including formula, bottles, baby food, and diapers. Also, try to include a few small toys, a book, pencils, paper, or other items to help keep your kids occupied during challenging situations.
Once you've assembled this bag, remember to check and replace expired items as needed regularly. Since family needs can change each year, it's essential to review the bag's contents annually and refresh the water and dry food at least every three months.
Keep the bag in a convenient and designated spot at home, ensuring everyone in the house knows its location.
Unfortunately, emergencies can strike anywhere, so it's wise to prepare separate kits for your workplace and car as well. The workplace kit may include water, necessary medications, suitable footwear, wet and dry wipes, and dry food.
