Go Bag and Emergency Bug Out Bag - Lesson 3 - Comprehensive Emergency Supply List

When preparing for an emergency evacuation, having the right supplies can mean the difference between comfort and hardship. The following list covers essential items you should have on hand in case you need to leave your home. Everyone’s specific needs will vary based on environment, climate, and region, so adjust accordingly. If you've gone camping before, many of these items may already be familiar to you.

Some of these documents or supplies may seem excessive at first glance, but it's important to consider the possibility that you might not be able to return home- for days, weeks, or even longer-due to natural disasters, civil unrest, or other unpredictable events.

Water

• One gallon per day, per person (for drinking and sanitation).

• Additional water for pets, if applicable.

• Water storage, filtration, and purification tablets (important for long-term sustainability).

Note: For more details on water purification and storage options see “The Ultimate Guide to Safe Drinking Water: From Daily Use to Emergency Preparedness".

Food

• Non-perishable items (canned goods, dried foods, energy bars, etc.).

• MREs (Meal Ready-to-Eat) One box contains 12 meals, approximately 1,250 calories each.

• Manual can opener for canned foods.

• Special dietary considerations (allergies, medical conditions, infants, elderly family members).

• Pet food, pet medication, travel bag, and pet toys if applicable.

Note: For more details on Nutrition and Food Storage see “Nutrition Basics and Food Storage Options”

Alternative Cooking Options

• Portable camp stove or small propane burner

• Portable coffee maker or instant coffee packets (a morale booster in cold conditions)

• Extra fuel for cooking devices

Communication & Power

• Handheld AM/FM radio and NOAA Weather Alert Radio, with spare batteries.

• Cellular phone, charging block, and cables.

• Alternate communication options:

• Rapid Radio, Garmin InReach, Weboost, Starlink, or similar options for communication without cell service.

• HAM radio for monitoring emergency broadcasts and communicating in a crisis.

• Laptop, charger, and spare flash drive.

• Solar Generator and panels.

Lighting & Visibility

• Flashlight and spare batteries/charger.

• Headlamp and spare batteries/charger.

• Chem lights/ Glow Sticks

• Vehicle emergency lighting options (See “Setting Up Your Mobile Command Center”).

First Aid & Medical Supplies

• Comprehensive first aid kit & trauma kit. (See our comprehensive medical equipment.)

• Personal medications, including list of medications, dosages, and purpose.

• Medical history and allergies list for each family member.

• Prescription glasses/contact lenses and solution.

Note: For a comprehensive list of First Aid Equipment see “First Aid and Trauma Equipment".  You may want to keep a supply of essential prescription medications for common illnesses. Jase Medical offers a convenient online option for obtaining these medications in advance.

Personal Safety & Protection

• Whistle, bell, personal alarm, or alternative signaling device.

• Dust masks (N95 or equivalent) to reduce inhalation of dust and debris.

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (for sealing windows/doors in hazardous conditions).

• Fire extinguisher (portable size).

• Matches and weatherproof container/fire-starting materials.

Sanitation & Hygiene

• Pre-moistened wipes, shower wipes, and toilet paper.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and other personal hygiene items.

• Plastic garbage bags and zip ties (for waste disposal and emergency toilet use).

• Unscented chlorine bleach:

• For disinfecting: Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach.

• For water purification: 16 drops per gallon of water.

• Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer.

• Portable tent with toilet.

Tools & Navigation

• Multi-tool (knife, pliers, screwdriver, etc.).

• Hand tools: wrench, screwdriver, hammer, axe, crowbar.

• Auto repair equipment (jumper cables, tire repair kit, tow rope, etc.).

• Local street maps (paper version).

• Key documents (insurance, ID copies, emergency contacts) in a waterproof container.

• Spare home/vehicle keys.

Clothing & Shelter

• Change of clothes for each person:

• Long-sleeved shirts & long pants (for protection and warmth).

• Sturdy shoes/boots and socks.

• Outer clothing/rain gear (think layers for various conditions).

• Foot Wear applicable for the environment, time of year, weather conditions and the possibility of hiking for a bit- NO FLIP FLOPS or SANDELS!!!!

• Gloves, hat, and scarf (if in a cold climate).

• Sleeping bag or blankets (adequate supply for all family members).

Pets and Pet Supplies

If you're evacuating with pets, they need their own preparedness plan. Animals rely entirely on us in emergencies, and being ready with their supplies ensures their safety, comfort, and health when conditions are unpredictable.

Essential Items for Pets:

• Food and Water:

• At least 7-14 days’ worth of pet food (dry or canned)

• Portable, collapsible food and water bowls

• Manual can opener (if using canned food)

• At least 1 gallon of water per pet, per day

• Shelter and Safety:

• Leash, harness, and collar with ID tags

• Portable pet crate or carrier (labeled with your name and contact info)

• Pet bed, blanket, or crate pad

• Muzzle (if required or helpful for high-stress environments)

• Medical and Sanitation:

• Copy of vaccination records and microchip info is up to date and companies are still in service

• Any medications or supplements (7–14 day supply)

• Pet first aid kit (includes bandages, tweezers, gloves, etc.)

• Waste bags, litter, and portable litter box (for cats)

• Grooming wipes or towels

• Comfort and Familiarity:

• Toys, chew items, or a comfort item from home

• A recent photo of you with your pet (helpful for identification)

Tip: Keep your pet’s items in a dedicated tote or backpack near your own go-bag so you can grab both quickly.

Planning for pets isn’t just compassionate-it can prevent unnecessary stress, injury, or the heartbreaking risk of having to leave them behind. Pets are family, and preparing for them is an essential part of being truly ready.

Cash & Financial Preparedness

• Cash in small bills. 2 weeks minimum is recommended. ATMs and card readers may be down in an emergency.

Miscellaneous & Comfort Items

• Portable plates, cups, eating utensils, and paper towels.

• Diapers and formula, if applicable.

• Books, games, and comfort items for children (helps ease stress in uncertain situations).

Personal Documents

A Detailed list of Documents that you should have ready to go

Here is a detailed list of personal documents that should be kept easily accessible for emergencies. It’s important to store these documents in a secure, waterproof, and fireproof container, and consider keeping digital copies in a secure cloud storage service for additional backup.  Remember, some of these documents would be critical to have if you were unable to return home and retrieve them for a long period of time – if ever.  

Identification Documents:

• Passports

• Driver’s Licenses

• Birth Certificates

• Social Security Cards

• Marriage Certificate

• Divorce Decrees

• Adoption Papers

• Military Service Records

• Immigration and Naturalization Papers

Medical Documents:

• Health Insurance Cards

• Medical Records and Immunization Records

• Prescription Medication List

• Living Wills and Advance Directives

• Power of Attorney for Healthcare

• Contact Information for Healthcare Providers

Financial Documents:

• Bank Account Information

• Investment Account Statements

• Credit Card Information

• Tax Returns (at least the last three years)

• Property Deeds and Titles

• Mortgage and Loan Documents

• Insurance Policies (health, home, auto, life, disability)

• Retirement Account Information

Legal Documents:

• Wills and Trust Documents

• Power of Attorney Documents

• Child Custody Agreements

• Court Orders and Legal Judgments

Property Documents:

• Home and Property Deeds

• Vehicle Titles and Registration

• Rental Agreements and Lease Contracts

• Home Inventory List with Photos

Employment Documents:

• Employment Contracts

• Pay Stubs- if applicable

• Pension and Retirement Plan Documents

• Contact Information for Current and Previous Employers

Educational Documents:

• Diplomas and Degrees

• Professional Certifications and Licenses

Miscellaneous:

• Emergency Contact Information

• Utility and Service Provider Information

• Copies of Key Contracts (e.g., phone, internet, utilities)

• Pet Identification and Veterinary Records

• Safe Deposit Box Keys and Inventory

By organizing and safeguarding these critical documents, you can ensure that you are prepared for emergencies and can access important information quickly and efficiently. A great storage option is the Savor All-in-One Desk Organizer. Having all these necessary documents in one spot is very convenient if you need to bug out quickly.

Final Considerations

This list provides a foundation for emergency preparedness, but it should be tailored to fit your specific needs, family size, and environment. Preparedness isn’t just about having supplies, it’s about having a plan and knowing how to use everything in your kit effectively.

Stay informed, stay ready, and most importantly-stay prepared, not paranoid.