Grab & Go Bag: The Core Essentials

Creating a grab & go bag is a vital step in emergency preparedness. It’s designed to provide the essentials you need to survive and stay comfortable during an evacuation or emergency. In this guide, we’ll outline the essential items to include in your grab & go bag, breaking them down into individual items for each family member and shared items for the family.

Individual Items for All Bags

Every family member should have their own grab & go bag containing the following essentials. These items address basic survival needs and ensure personal comfort and safety:

Food

High-calorie energy bars or meal replacement bars.
Lightweight, non-perishable snacks (e.g., trail mix, jerky).

Water

At least 1 liter of water per person.
Collapsible water bottles or pouches to save space.

Clothing

A complete change of clothing
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sturdy footwear
- Socks and underwear
Lightweight rain poncho

Hygiene

Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste.
Pack of wet wipes or body wipes.
Small comb or brush.

Sanitation

A small pack of tissues or toilet paper.
Resealable plastic bags for waste disposal.

Lighting

Compact LED flashlight or headlamp.
Extra batteries.

Shelter

Emergency blanket or lightweight sleeping bag.
Compact tarp or bivy sack.

Communications

Emergency whistle (one per person).

Money

A small amount of cash in various denominations (except for young children).

Learn more about packing these core essentials.

Family-Shared Items

In addition to individual bags, designate one bag overseen by one adult to carry shared items. These are critical tools and supplies that the entire family will use during an emergency.

Basic First Aid Kit

Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other essential medical supplies.

Lighter/Matches

Waterproof matches or a windproof lighter.

Manual Can Opener

For opening canned goods if included in your emergency food supply.

Lantern

High-powered LED lantern for area lighting.

AM/FM or Hand-Crank Radio

Stay updated on emergency broadcasts and weather alerts.

Local Map

Physical map of your area, including evacuation routes.

Multi-Use Utility Tool

A versatile tool with features like a knife, scissors, and screwdriver.

Purification Tablets

For treating additional water sources if needed.

Extra Batteries

Keep spares for all devices in your bags.

Portable Solar Charger

Charge phones, radios, and other small devices.

Customizing for Special Needs

Each grab & go bag should reflect the unique needs of each family member. Here are some examples:

Infants: Include formula, bottles, diapers, and baby wipes, etc.
Elderly: Add medications, mobility aids, or other necessary supplies, etc.
Health Needs: inhaler for asthma – insulin for diabetics, etc.

Learn more about packing for Individual Needs.

Maintenance and Updates

Keep your grab & go bag ready for any emergency.

Keep a list of expiration dates on all contents.
Check your bags twice per year – rotate expired/perishable items (food, water, OTC meds, batteries) every six months.
Update clothing and gear seasonally.
Check children’s clothing for proper fit and adjust as needed.
Review and adjust contents as your family’s needs change.

Learn more: How to Store, Maintain, and Update.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Getting ready to quickly leave your home includes your beloved pets. They need a grab & go bag too! Learn more about a Grab & Go Bag for Pets.

The Grab List

We can’t always pack away the things we need to take with us in an evacuation. Examples are medication stored in the refrigerator or the dog’s kennel. To avoid the last-minute hassle of trying to remember what these items are, creating and storing a family grab list will do the thinking for you. Once you write down the items you can’t leave home without, this list can be used as an easy reference and checklist to make sure you don’t.

Learn more about creating a Grab List.

Conclusion

With these essentials packed and ready, you can have peace of mind knowing your family is prepared to handle unexpected emergencies. Start building your grab & go bag today and tailor it to fit your household’s specific requirements. Read our next post: Grab & Go Bag: How to Store, Maintain, and Update.