Be Prepared: Part 4

Yes, I completely spaced on doing this week's blog. Oops! We're going to cover "Go-Bags" and that will include a lot of different items, so I'll give the rest of this week and next to complete this part of your emergency kit :)

What is a Go-Bag? It's a backpack or other easy to carry container filled with essential items in the case that you'll need to evacuate quickly. Prepare a Go-Bag for each family member and ID tag. You may not be at home when emergency strikes, so it's also a good idea to keep additional supplies at work or in your car. Consider what you might need for your immediate safety. Here is a list of items to put in each person's bag:

- Flashlight
- Radio (battery operated)
- Batteries
- Whistle
- Dust Mask
- Pocket Knife
- Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters to make phone calls
- Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and a warm hat (make sure to change out sizes if you have little ones)
- Local map
- Some water and food
- Permanent marker, paper and tape
- Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
- List of emergency point-of-contact phone numbers
- Copy of health insurance and ID cards
- Extra prescription glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
- Prescription medication and first aid supplies (we have a mini kit in each of ours)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Extra keys to your house and vehicle
- Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities (for our son, we have hard candy and a coloring book. Just to add a little comfort.)

Make sure to keep your Go-Bag in a place that's easily accessible. (Not stuffed up in the rafters or shoved behind junk in the closet.) Ours are stacked inside our master closet, ready to go.