The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends drinking a minimum half a gallon of water (64 oz.) each day, equal to two large water bottles. You’ll need water for other uses, so plan to double that amount.  

• Plan on using one gallon of water per person, per day 
• Consider bringing a portable water filtration system 
• Store water in plastic containers, never breakable containers  such as mason jars or glass bottles  
• Do not ration water— it’s important to remain hydrated 
• Drink at least two quarts of water per day  
• Look for alternative sources of potable water 
• You may be able to boil water and add a few drops of bleach to purify it in an emergency

Plan to include a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Canned foods are a good option, but are heavy to carry. Choose compact, lightweight foods that require no refrigeration or preparation. If food must be cooked, include a can of Sterno and a can-opener in your GO-Bag. More suggested food items:  

• Military MREs (meals-ready to-eat) are an excellent option  
• Lightweight foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers,  nuts, health food bars, trail mix and applesauce. 
• Supplements, such as Vitamins 
• Sugar, salt, pepper  
• Rice, pasta, etc. for energy (you will need extra water for these) 
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water) 
• Comfort foods, such as cookies, hard candy, and sweetened cereals can help ease stress  

You can buy pre-assembled first aid kits or assemble your own. The items listed here should provide the supplies you need for most minor emergencies:  

• First aid manual 
• Sunscreen 
• Dressings and bandages (sterile gauze pads, eye pad adhesive tape, elastic bandage for sprains, sterile cotton balls and swabs) 
• Scissors for cutting bandages 
• Emergency Mylar solar blanket 
• Over-the-counter medicine for cuts, burns, and injuries 
• Special medicines for members of your household 
• Latex gloves 
• Instant cold packs 
• Aluminum finger splint
• Thermometer 
• Hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, soap 
• Antiseptic 
• Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy 
• Pain reliever and fever medicines (never give aspirin  to children or teens younger than 18 years of age) 
• Anti-nausea medicine  
• Antacid medicine 
• Laxative 

You may need a supply of your customary sanitary products if you’re away from home or stuck out doors. Consider including these items in your GO-bag: 

• Toilet paper and sanitary towelettes 
• Feminine supplies 
• Personal items, such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste,  toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm 
• Dust mask to protect you from airborne debris

You may wish to include copies of your important documents in your GO-Bag. Be sure to place them in a waterproof, sealed plastic bag for protection. Another great tip is to back up your important documents on an encrypted thumb drive. 

• Passport 
• Driver’s License 
• Birth certificates 
• Insurance information 
• Tax information 
• Titles for any properties you own 
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) 
• Insurance policies, will, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds 
• Savings and checking account numbers 
• Credit card account numbers and companies 
• Inventory of valuable household goods 
• Important telephone numbers 
• Some cash in small bills 
• Paper map of your area

A few practical tools can help you deal with a myriad of unexpected situations. Remember to keep your GO-bag as light as possible. 

• Emergency radio and batteries 
• Hand-cranked Lamp or flashlight
• Solar charges for phones or batteries 
• Small fire extinguisher, small canister, A-B-C type 
• Utility knife 
• Can opener 
• Plastic sheeting 
• Crowbar  
• Shut-off wrench for gas and water  
• Aluminum foil 
• Pliers 
• Duct Tape 
• Paper and pencils 
• Signal flares  
• Whistle 

Don’t forget to pack medications and prescriptions you may need, including over-the-counter remedies. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses if you need them. Remember these special needs item if applicable: 

Babies 

• Formula 
• Powdered Milk 
• Diapers 
• Medications 
• Bottles 
• Baby Foods 

Seniors

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Denture needs
• Prescription medicines 

Don’t overlook the special needs of your furred or feathered family members. 

• Pet food  
• Water 
• Carriers for cats and dogs 
• Leashes 
• Prescription medicines 
• Toys

A back-up supply of the items listed above can easily be stored at home. A plastic garbage can with a tight lid is a good solution for assembling a comprehensive Disaster Kit. Be realistic. It’s not all going to fit in one place.  

Store your GO-Bag where you can grab it quickly in an emergency. Always keep your GO-Bag out of reach of children and animals. Keep it in a safe, cool, dry and convenient place known to all in your house.  

• Seal items, or groups of items, in waterproof and airtight plastic bags 
• Rotate you water and food supplies every six months so they stay fresh 
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the proper procedure for storing prescription medications 
• Replace batteries before they expire!