Alyssa Provencio, an emergency management expert, recommends preparing without spending a fortune. Search your home for existing supplies like batteries and candles. Consider buying used items such as headlamps. Purchase nonperishable food in bulk to save money.

Preparing a go bag for emergencies can seem daunting. Deciding what to include can be challenging, and purchasing supplies or a premade kit may be costly. Many Americans find it overwhelming, and according to a 2023 survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, only about half are prepared with emergency supplies. People from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to be less prepared.

Strategies for Building an Effective Go Bag

Building a go bag slowly helps distribute costs. Use what you already have and purchase used supplies when possible, suggests Alyssa Provencio, an emergency management professor. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to be ready for emergencies.

Go Bag Essentials: Save Money and Effort

Various checklists from the American Red Cross and Ready.gov provide packing recommendations. Concerns about cost and effort can be alleviated with the principle that something is better than nothing, according to Provencio.

Bag Selection: Choose a sturdy bag that’s easy to carry. It should have wheels and straps if possible. An old duffel or oversized tote bag suffices.

• Water: Aim for a gallon per person per day for three days. Pack at least one gallon, adjusting based on how much you can carry.
• Food: Pack three days of lightweight, calorie-dense foods like granola bars and peanut butter. Spread purchases over time or buy in bulk.
• Personal Vital Items: Pack necessary medicines, mobility aids, or comforting items for children. Consider packing like a short trip rather than a disaster scenario.
• First-Aid Items: Include basic supplies like bandages and antiseptic wipes. Creating your kit is cheaper than buying premade kits.
• Important Documents: Store photocopies of key documents in waterproof bags. Save digital copies on a flash drive or in the cloud.
• Emergency Supplies: At minimum, include a multi-tool, paracord, duct tape, flashlight, and fire-starting materials. Gathering items from home saves money.
• Hygiene Supplies: Include wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, and sanitary products.
• Power Bank: Keep your phone charged for emergency calls with a power bank.
• Cash: Have enough cash for essentials if credit cards or ATMs are unavailable.

After Packing Your Go Bag

After assembling your go bag, maintain it by checking the condition and replacing expired items regularly. Provencio emphasizes creating a basic emergency plan: know evacuation routes, choose a family meeting place, and write down key phone numbers. Mental preparation aids in quick and confident action in emergencies.