Go bag: what to pack and where to keep it
One backpack per person, ready to leave home in a minute. What to pack, how heavy it should be and the most common mistakes.
An approaching wildfire, a flood or an order from the authorities: sometimes you have to leave home within minutes, with no time to think about what to take. That is what a go bag is for. It is packed in advance, kept near the door, and lets you leave with the essentials to get through the first three days away from home.
One backpack per person
Every member of the family who can carry one should have their own. That way, if you get separated, everyone has water, food and light. Adults carry what small children need.
Weight: you should be able to carry it comfortably while walking for a good while. If it is too heavy, you will end up leaving it behind. Prioritise water, light food and warm clothing over “just in case” items.
What to pack
| For | What |
|---|---|
| Water | At least 2 litres per person per day; long-life pouches or bottles |
| Food | Rations or bars that need no cooking, for 3 days |
| Light | A head torch, which keeps your hands free, and batteries |
| Warmth and rain | Thermal blanket, poncho and a change of clothes |
| Signalling | A whistle, to call for help without losing your voice |
| Documents | Copies of ID, insurance, prescriptions and key phone numbers, in a waterproof pouch |
| Money | Cash in small notes |
| Health | First aid kit and several days of regular medication |
| Communication | Charged power bank, cable and a small radio |
| Tools | Multi-tool knife and rope |
Don’t forget
- Spare glasses and contact lenses if you use them.
- Things for children: nappies, milk, a small toy that comforts them.
- Things for pets: food, a lead and a copy of their vaccination record.
- A list of phone numbers on paper. If your battery dies, you will not be able to check your contacts.
Where to keep it
Near the exit and where everyone can see it: in the hallway, in a cupboard by the door or hanging on a coat hook. Do not keep it in the storage room or under other things. If you need to leave in a hurry, it has to be within reach.
When an evacuation is announced
- Follow the authorities’ instructions and leave when they ask, not when you see the danger.
- Take the backpack, your phone and your keys. Nothing else.
- Turn off the gas, electricity and water if you have time, and close doors and windows.
- Follow the signposted routes and tell your family where you are going.
The most common mistakes
- Leaving the backpack half-packed “because I’ll finish it later”. A basic bag today is better than a perfect one that never happens.
- Never checking it. Batteries run down, power banks lose charge and medication expires. Check it once a year.
- Packing original documents. Take copies; keep the originals safe at home.
- Only one person knowing where it is. The whole family should know.
