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Grab & Go Family Kits: How It Works
The kit system is simple. Just as individual grab & go bags serve the individual, family kits serve the entire family and provide an extra layer of items that can make having to leave home a bit easier to manage. They are comprised of items the family will share and are taken only if there is room in the family car. Evacuation by foot will render the family kits impractical.
What Family Kits Are and Are Not
What They Are:
- Items the family can share.
- Replenishment of and in addition to items contained in individual bags.
- An opportunity to take more items than the typical go bag allows.
- A way to provide for a more extended emergency when you don’t know when you will return home or even where you will go.
What They Are Not:
- Not a replacement for an individual’s grab & go bag.
- Cannot be taken if evacuation by foot is necessary.
- Not necessary for evacuation.
- Not meant to be taken if there is a house fire – in that situation, focus on safety first.
Family Kit Suggestions
Suggested family kits include:
- Shelter & Warmth
- Food & Cooking
- Light
- Sanitation & Cleanliness
- Communications
- Tools
- First Aid
- Water
- Power (batteries and charging)
- Entertainment
Learn how to build each kit in detail here.
Creating Your Family Kits
Family kits can be customized to fit your family’s unique needs. If you think something is missing from our list, feel free to create a kit using your own ideas. For those new to emergency preparedness, don’t let this task overwhelm you. Family kits should be viewed as luxury items, not necessities. Start small and build your kits over time.
When Taking Family Kits Is Not an Option
There may be situations where you cannot take your family kits, such as a lack of space or the need to evacuate on foot. In these cases, the One Adult Bag can serve as a substitute. This bag should be ready to go at all times and is designed to make up for the shared items you’ll leave behind. An adult is responsible for taking this bag in addition to their individual grab & go bag. If you can bring your family kits, you can leave this bag at home, but make sure you take one or the other.
One Adult Bag Contents:
- Basic first aid kit
- Lighter/matches
- Manual can opener
- High-powered LED flashlight
- AM/FM or hand-crank radio
- Local/city/county maps
- Multi-use utility tool
- Purification tablets
- Extra batteries
- Portable solar charger
Conclusion
Family kits are an excellent addition to your emergency preparedness plan, providing a shared resource for extended situations. While they are not essential for all emergencies, they can greatly enhance comfort and convenience during evacuations where vehicle space is available. Always prioritize safety and flexibility, ensuring that either family kits or a well-stocked One Adult Bag is ready to meet your needs.