Floodwaters are rising. A fire has broken out next door. A tornado siren screams overhead. In a crisis, every second counts and every decision matters. Having a fully stocked emergency go bag means you won’t be scrambling to find critical supplies, medications or documents when it’s time to get out quickly.

I live on the Gulf Coast in Florida in a town that’s been hit hard by hurricanes in the past. With a new hurricane season underway as of June 1, I’m more on guard than ever. Hurricanes are nothing new to me — I grew up near the water in North Carolina, where my parents still live — but even still, news of a developing storm gets me anxious. That’s why I’m always prepared with a bag of essentials. 

I’ve built my trusty emergency go bag from hard-won experience, including during last year’s hurricanes Helene and Milton. (And this bag isn’t just for hurricane preparation — my sister lives in Oklahoma and has assembled her own go bag based on my recommendations for tornadoes.) Trust me: Having a bag ready can make a chaotic, terrifying moment a little more manageable. 

Read also: Tornadoes, Floods, Wildfires, Intruders: 4 Ways Your Phone Can Help in an Emergency

What is a go bag, and why you definitely need one

A go bag (also called a bugout bag) is a backpack or small duffel packed with essentials that you, your family and your pets might need in the hours or days after a natural disaster forces you to leave home. Emergency officials, especially in hurricane- or fire-prone areas, urge every household to have at least one on standby.

Ideally, each family member has their own. That way, you’re not lugging one massive bag or making heartbreaking choices about what stays behind.

Why you should pack a go bag now

Many disasters give us some forewarning, while others strike without mercy or notice. Even with a forecast, evacuation orders can come suddenly. You’ll want to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice if you live in areas that regularly face:

• Hurricanes or tropical storms
• Flash floods
• Mudslides
• Tornadoes
• Earthquakes
• Wildfires
• Ice storms
• Tsunamis

What to pack in your emergency go bag

Here’s a checklist of items to include in your go bag:

Go bag essentials:

• Water filter bottle
• Flashlight (solar or crank-powered)
• Nonperishable food (MREs or calorie-dense freeze-dried meals)
• Personal hygiene items (soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, etc., in waterproof bags)
• First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, meds)
• Phone charger and portable power bank (for either iPhones sau Androids)
• Spare batteries
• Work gloves
• Medications and copies of prescriptions
• Important documents (IDs, insurance, passports, birth certificates in a waterproof bag)
• House and car keys
• Map and compass (don’t rely on GPS)
• Cash (small bills and coins)

Go bag extras:

• Paracord (strong, compact and versatile)
• Carabiners (for attaching gear)
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Fire-starting tools (lighter, waterproof matches)
• Dust mask
• Blanket (vacuum-sealed to save space)
• Change of clothes and a poncho
• Sunscreen
• Family photo (for ID purposes, in waterproof bag)
• USB drive with digital copies of family photos
• Paper, pens and tape (for leaving messages)

Other key considerations in case of an emergency 

Now that you know the vital items you should pack in an emergency, here are a few additional things to consider. 

Skip the gallons of water and pack a water filter instead 

Most emergency kits recommend storing three days’ worth of water at home. But carrying that much water during an evacuation may not be realistic, especially if you’re on foot.

Instead, pack a water purification bottle like the LifeStraw Go Bottle sau Grayl GeoPress. These filter bacteria and contaminants from ponds, ditches or even puddles, turning sketchy water into a drinkable backup source. Both bottles can clip to the outside of your bag to save room. Just be sure to read the instructions since many filters must be primed with clean water before use.

Opt for a solar flashlight

A power outage is almost guaranteed during a major storm. Instead of packing batteries that may run out or get soaked, opt for a solar or crank-powered flashlight, such as the ThorFire LED Flashlight. Bonus points if it doubles as an AM/FM radio for weather updates.

Don’t forget your pets

In the chaos of an evacuation, it’s easy to overlook your pets’ needs, but they rely on you just as much as children do. Whether you’re evacuating for a few hours or a few days, packing an emergency kit for your animals is essential for their health, comfort and safety.

Here’s what to include in your pet’s go bag:

• At least three days of pet food (stored in airtight containers or zip bags)
• Collapsible food and water bowls
• Treats (they’ll need comfort, too)
• Pet ID tags with current phone numbers
• Microchip info, in case your pet gets separated from you
• Vaccination records and proof of ownership (these may be required at hotels)
• A secure leash and harness
• Crate or carrier labeled with your name and contact info
• A blanket or small bed with a familiar scent
• Toys or chews to ease anxiety during travel
• Waste bags for dogs
• Litter box and litter for cats (a small, disposable tray works well, too)
• Medications and dosage instructions
• Pet-safe wipes or a towel for quick cleanups

How to choose the right go bag

The best go bag is the one you can actually carry. Don’t grab a giant duffel unless you’re confident you can haul it long distances. A sturdy hiking backpack made from water-resistant canvas with padded shoulder straps and a chest strap is ideal. Look for one with lots of compartments and, if possible, a built-in water reservoir, also known as a hydration pack or CamelBak. 

One great option we recommend is the Sandpiper of California bugout backpack, which is durable, roomy and designed for quick evacuation.

Additional resources

Climate change is making hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters stronger and more frequent. Preparation is no longer optional — it’s essential. Taking a few hours to assemble and safely store a go bag could save lives, reduce stress and make evacuation just a little bit easier.

While the devastation of these events can be harrowing, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones from a natural disaster. Here are some additional resources:

Hopefully, your go bag is something you’ll never need. But if the day comes when you do, may it be ready, reliable and right where you need it.