How to Make a Grab & Go Bag and What's Included
A Grab & Go Bag (also known as a go bag, 72-hour kit, or emergency kit) is a cornerstone of emergency preparedness. This essential item ensures that every family member is equipped with the necessities to get through the first few days if evacuation becomes necessary. A well-prepared Grab & Go Bag is built around three key components: core essentials, individual-specific needs, and shared essentials. Together, these components provide the crucial supplies needed when leaving home in a hurry. Let’s break each one down.
Grab & Go Bag
Food
Your choice of foods must include only shelf-stable options that will last until your next rotation, usually every 6 months but not to exceed every 12 months.
Food Ideas
- peanut butter
- crackers
- protein & energy bars
- protein cookies
- canned foods
- packet meals
- boxed meals
- fruits
Remember to pack plastic utensils, napkins, and garbage bags as well.
Tip: Stores like the Dollar Tree are full of food items that will work well and can be rotated every 6-12 months. If you'd like to see some examples of foods in each category listed here, download ready to eat foods.
Water
Each bag should have at least a few bottles of water. Because water is heavy, weighing 8 pounds per gallon, you'll need more than you can pack. Be sure to pack empty water containers you can fill later - that also include filtration ability.
Water Bottle Ideas
- Mini Sawyer Water Filtration System
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Katadyn Water Filter
- water bladder (non-filtration)
Other Helpful Items
- liquid hydration multipliers
- purification tablets
Tip: Important! Have water on standby, ready to grab on your way out, if you can go by car. Assign each adult with the task of grabbing one gallon of water or one adult to grab a 5-gallon portable water jug from long-term storage. Add a note inside of your grab & go bag, on top of all contents, reminding you to take the extra containers of water. Add this to your grab list as well.
Clothing
Choose from clothes you already have but rarely wear. If you must go shopping for anything, thrift stores offer good prices. Rotation twice a year allows you to pack for the season. The shoes can stay the same – they should be a sturdy pair in which you can walk a long distance. Clothes for small children are listed below.
Colder Weather
- one complete change of clothing
- durable closed-toed shoes
- thick socks
- long underwear & warm coat
- hand and body warming packs
- wool blend blanket
Warmer Weather
- one complete change of clothing
- durable closed-toed shoes
- good socks
- light jacket
- cool packs and/or wave fan
- light-weight blanket
Tip: While this tip won't work for growing children, this technique works well for adults. Pack for both warmer and cooler weather and mark each plastic bag accordingly. Store both next to your grab & go bag. If you must evacuate, select the weather-appropriate clothing bag to take with your go bag. Leave a reminder note inside of your grab & go bag, on top of all contents. Be sure to leave enough room in your bag to absorb the clothing.
Hygiene
Here are some options of items to pack for hygiene. Some are essential while others may just be nice to have, depending on the individual.
Hygiene Options
- toothbrush & paste
- mouthwash
- floss
- comb/brush
- deodorant
- tissue pack
- antibacterial gel
- wet wipes
- nail clipper & file
- feminine supplies
- face & body lotion
- chap stick
- mirror
- washcloth
- 2 hand towels
- empty spray bottle
- rinse-free body soap
- rinse-free shampoo
Tip: You can take soap, shampoo, and conditioner with you if you prepare a family clean kit. With it, you'll be able to wash your hands with soap and take a hot shower.
Sanitation
Upon evacuation, you may find yourself either unable to find restroom services or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It's a smart idea to include a few sanitation items in your grab & go bag. Creating a personal sanitation kit that is kid friendly will give you added peace of mind. Privacy not included :)
Sanitation Items
- unisex urinal with sealed lid
- toilet paper or wet wipes
- garbage bags with plastic ties
- super-sorb powder
- hand sanitizing wipes
Tip: Creating a family sanitation kit takes it to a whole new level. You'll have everything you need, including privacy.
Tip: Creating a family sanitation kit takes it to a whole new level. You'll have everything you need, including privacy.
Lighting
Here are some options for emergency lighting that you can place in your grab & go bag.
Lighting Options
- LED headlamp w/ batteries
- flashlight w/ batteries
- light sticks for kids
Be sure to store the batteries outside of the flashlights and keep an eye on the expiration date and rotate accordingly.
Tip: If you want more robust lighting that the family can share, learn more about the family light kit.
Tip: If you want more robust lighting that the family can share, learn more about the family light kit.
Shelter
Here are some individual items you can add for shelter from the elements.
Shelter Items
- poncho with hood
- bivy
- mylar blanket
Tip: If you want to prepare with a warmer form of shelter that includes a tent that the family can share, learn more about the family shelter & warmth kit.
Power
Each adult needs a way to charge essential devices like a mobile phone. Here are three charging options - all have their own distinct advantages.
PORTABLE CHARGING OPTIONS
- Battery Pack
- Solar Panel Charger
- Solar Battery Charger
Tip: Learn more about each type of charger and consider including all three. This strategy provides you with more options, allowing you to charge one device while using another, thus providing a continuous supply of power. This type of redundancy may not be necessary if you choose to include a family charging kit when you evacuate.
Communications
Minimum communication supplies include the following.
Adults and Teenagers
- Cell phone – leave a note on top of your bag to get it on the way out
- Phone charging cord
- Include a pen and note pad
Every family member
- Safety whistle with neck cord in case of accidental separation
Tip: If you'd like to take your communications ability to a higher, more helpful level, learn more about the family communications kit.
Money
Each family should have some cash on hand if evacuation is needed. How much is up to you, but the recommendation is $100 to $250. It is ultimately up to you and your family to decide how to distribute the money. Some people may prefer to have one person carry all the money, while others may prefer to distribute it among all the grab & go bags. It’s important to consider factors such as the age and responsibility of the family members, as well as the potential risks and benefits of each approach.
Tip: Unless you feel otherwise, kids don't need to know that there is money stored anywhere in your grab & go bag. The fewer people that know, the better. You can also leave a note inside of your grab & go bag, on top of all contents, reminding yourself to grab the money before you leave...but don't forget it.
Grab & Go Bag
Every grab & go bag includes the core essentials listed above. Beyond this, some family members will have specific needs for additional items to be added to their bag as well. Here are some suggestions - modify for you and your family's specific needs.
Elderly
Who does this include?
The term “elderly” is often used to describe an individual who is older in age, but it can also refer to physical limitations that may come with age. Not all older people experience these limitations and remain fit and active into their later years. Here, we are referring only to those who are experiencing the many common physical limitations and what they can pack to help meet these limitations.
Anything that you, or the elderly person in your life, uses daily should be considered essential and should make its way into the person's grab & go bag.
Examples
- restricted diet food
- incontinence pads & underwear
- medication
- vitamins & supplements
- prescription glasses
Obtaining extras
It's easy to obtain extras of things you already pay out of pocket for. It's not always that easy when doctors and insurance are involved. If extras can't be obtained, write a list of all the items needed and place this inside of your grab & go bag, on top of all contents for quick reference. You can then get them on your way out.
Tip:Some pharmacies allow you to order 3 months' worth of some types of medication. Check to see if this is the case for you and if so, place one bottle in your go-bag and continue to rotate through each, always leaving a full prescription in your bag. This only works if the medication can be kept at room temperature. If it's kept in the fridge, make sure that you add it to the list of things to take with you.
Child
Younger children need a different plan when it comes to clothing. Just a reminder: grab & go bags for kids should weigh no more than 10% to 25% of body weight, depending on age and fitness level. Children have flexible spines which can be damaged by heavy packs. Anything extra must be absorbed in adult bags.
Toddlers to age 12
- pack according to season and rotate every 6 months
- pack 1 to 2 sizes bigger than your child currently is and include a belt
- include at least 2 full changes, more for toddlers
- one pair of closed-toed shoes
- few pairs of seasonally appropriate socks
- jacket to match the season
- consider clothing that can be layered
- consider buying clothing from thrift stores
Potty training
- pack extra underwear and bedding
- include an absorbent waterproof sheet to go under your child’s bivy or sleeping bag
- portable potty and baby wipes
Other supplies
- adjust the food list if necessary to what your child will eat - must be shelf stable
- water with electrolytes
- age-appropriate vitamins
- comfort items such as stuffed animals, books, toys, favorite baby blanket
- lollipops
Tip:Some parents opt to have matching clothing for siblings. This provides for easier identification should your children ever become separated.
Baby
Leaving home with an infant/baby should be the very last resort. Stay home if you can. Having said that, a grab and go bag must be made for your baby no later than the beginning of the third trimester. The following lists serve only as a guideline. Everything included should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.
Baby Formula
Even if your child is breast fed, pack baby formula just in case it becomes medically or situationally necessary.
- minimum of 56 single servings
- small pre-mixed canned formula is the very best
- if you are using powder instead, use only bottled water
- sterilized bottles and/or drop-in liners
- bottles and nipples
Bottle Sterilization Kit
- pot for boiling bottles
- emergency stove
- emergency fuel
- matches or lighter
Note: a sterilization kit is not needed if you choose to include a family food & cooking kit with your other preps.
Baby Food
- baby food in jars or pouches
- consider pouches as they can't break
- other age-appropriate food
- small disposable cups, bowls, spoons, and paper towels
Water
- bottled water if you are using powdered formula
- Pedialyte for babies 6 months or older – consult your pediatrician first
About water & baby formula
- Never dilute infant formula with water to make it go further.
- If your bottled water runs out and your alternative water source's quality is in doubt, boil the water for at least 60 seconds before you use this water with powdered formula or to sterilize bottles.
Clothing
Pack two sizes too big, keeping changes of season in mind when rotating.
Newborns & Infants
- 3 onesies
- 3 footie pajamas
- sleep sack or swaddle
Older Babies
- 2 full changes of clothing
- weather appropriate shoes
- waterproof rain suit
Warmth
- 2-3 baby blankets
- emergency blanket for extra warmth
- hat, socks, and mittens (for colder months)
Diapers
- disposable diapers
- or cloth diapers & covers
- baby wipes
- diaper rash cream
- baby powder
- antiseptic wipes
- hand sanitizer
- baggies for used diapers
Sleep & Transportation
- baby carrier or sling (hands-free)
- portable crib
Comfort
- baby wash
- baby lotion
- pacifiers
- light stick
Medical
- infant medications
- measuring droppers & syringes
- thermometer
- bulb nose syringe and saline
- teething supplies
- copies of vaccination records
ID Card
As unlikely as it is, during confusion, accidental separations happen. Create a laminated ID card to identify your baby. Here are the important things to add:
- Baby's name, birth date, parents’ names, last four digits of your social security number, address and phone number, recent photo, description of any distinguishing features and birthmarks noted, medications used, allergies and medical conditions, if any.
- Attach this card to your baby's carrier with a zip tie. Be sure to cut the ends off the zip tie so it doesn't rub against your little one.
Rotation Tips
- Remember to update the items as your child grows. For example, a newborn would require a different diaper size, nipple, and clothing than a 10-month-old baby.
- Consider revising your baby’s go-bag every 4-6 weeks. If you can’t do that, be sure to rotate your child’s clothes at least every 3-6 months.
- Make sure you are always keeping the next two sizes in your bag.
- Be sure to switch out winter/summer clothes.
- Put rotation schedule on your calendar as a reminder.
Tip:In an evacuation, you will have your hands full with your go bag, your child's go bag and of course your child. To make things a little easier, use a rolling suitcase that can contain both grab & go bags. This will leave the other hand free.
Pregnancy
Adjust your personal bag
When you first find out you are pregnant, take some time to adjust your adult grab & go bag to reflect the change in clothing, food requirements, and other prenatal needs.
As you reach your third trimester, start putting together an emergency birth kit that you can add to your bag. The truth is that an emergency can happen right before you give birth, and no one will ask you if it’s a convenient time. This will allow you to be even more prepared and in control. Talk to your doctor about what you can do in case of emergency.
Initial Items
- extra shelf stable foods
- adjust clothing above to maternity wear and adjust the clothing size as time goes by (or use the tip below)
- prenatal vitamins
Emergency Birthing Supplies
- clean towels
- sharp scissors
- infant bulb syringe
- medical gloves
- two white shoelaces
- sheets
- sanitary pads
- two blankets
Other things you can do
- Know the signs of pre-term labor - birth before 37 weeks
- Know the location of other places to have your baby in case you cannot get to the hospital or birthing center of your choice.
- If you are evacuated to an emergency shelter, make sure officials know you are pregnant.
Tip: Pack clothing for all three trimesters and mark each plastic bag accordingly. Store them next to your grab & go bag. If you must evacuate, select the size-appropriate clothing bag to take with your go bag. Leave a note inside of your grab & go bag, on top of all contents, reminding you to grab the clothing bag and be sure to leave enough room in your grab & go bag to absorb its size.
Health Needs
Who does this include?
This includes any person, regardless of age, that uses medication, supplies, or equipment on a daily, weekly, or as-needed basis. This could include health issues being treated by a doctor where a diagnosis has been made like asthma, diabetes, COPD, etc., or something like seasonal allergies where OTC medication is needed.
If you, your child, your parent, or anyone in your family has special health needs, you already know the medications or medical devices necessary for this person to function. These items must be part of this individual’s grab & go bag or taken alongside.
Health need examples:
medication for any diagnosed condition - inhaler for asthma - nitro lingual spray for a heart condition - an epinephrine pen against allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock - oxygen - blood glucose testing kit & insulin for diabetics - assistive devices needed such as canes, walkers, lightweight manual wheelchair, hearing aids, batteries to run some devices, just to name a few.
Some of these items are small and can fit into the person's grab & go bag. Some are much bigger and can only be taken separately. But all items essential to the individual must be taken if possible.
Prepare for at least 7 days
Where possible, include at least a 1-week supply of all needed medications and disposable one-use parts to any medical devices. Also, if needed, include any food that is different from other family members.
Packing your bag
The goal is for you to be able to take with you what you need. This can happen in one of three ways: purchase extra of what you already buy for yourself, ask your doctor for extras of medications or devices that are prescribed to you, or take the medical devices you are now using with you. You may find yourself using all three.
Purchase Extra
If you are not under a doctor’s care for whatever ails you, you are already purchasing over-the-counter medications or other products. Purchase extras of these items and be sure to rotate through them so the items in your bag do not expire. Examples here could be allergy medication, reading glasses, and any type of OTC meds you need.
Ask your doctor
Depending on what your diagnosis or health situation is, you may be able to secure extras for your grab & go bag if you explain to your doctor what you are trying to accomplish. Get extras of anything your doctor will allow, and your insurance will pay for. For example:
- Would your doctor give you an additional epi-pen?
- Would your doctor give you an additional inhaler or nebulizer?
- Does your medication qualify for a 3-month refill? If so, rotate through each month, always having one bottle in your go bag (making sure storage requirements are met).
- Write down the items you use daily, weekly, or as needed.
- You will use this list to gather what you need when it's time to go.
- Keep this list inside of your grab & go bag on top of all contents.
- Leave enough room in your go bag to absorb the size of the items once gathered.
- Include batteries or a solar charger for any devices or equipment that is powered by electricity.
- Always update this list as any needs change.
Tip:Jase Daily provides you with up to 12 months of backup supplies of daily medications used to treat chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions. Go to jasemedical.com to watch a 1-minute video to learn how this works. Other options for backup supplies include Duration Health and Contingency Medical.
Create a health needs fact sheet
For added security, create a fact sheet for those on either lifesaving or health management medication and/or medical devices. If you or your loved one becomes incapacitated in any way, this will enable others to help. Create a fact sheet for each medication and medical device you are using. Once done, place them inside a zipped plastic bag and add it to the top of your grab & go bag.
Medication
- generic name of the drug
- name and contact info of prescribing doctor
- copy of the prescription
- medical diagnoses being treated by the medication
- dosage / frequency / directions
Medical Equipment
- medical equipment used
- frequency / directions
Other
- insurance information
- any food or drug allergies
- known triggers or dislikes
- contact info of 1-2 family members
Best Storage Location
Keep the grab & go bags and family kits together in one place where they can easily be found and grabbed on your way out. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Tips for Rotation
- Check your bags twice per year.
- Check expiration dates on any applicable items and rotate when necessary.
- Rotate food at 12 months.