What to pack in an emergency go bag?

[Rocks]

Hello forum friends! I’m in Minneapolis and safe in a high rise building, but you’ve probably seen the news of what’s happening here. Several of my friends have left their homes in south Minneapolis because the fires were getting too close for comfort. It made me wonder what I should have on hand if I need to leave my apartment quickly. I did google a go bag or bug out bag, but the hits I got were a bit survivalist for me.

I don’t have a kid or pet to evacuate, so that’s a few less needs to have to pack for. I was thinking a few days of medications, first aid (Tylenol, bandaids, tape) socks, water, snacks? Also, would I need documents? I feel like I should know these things. I also don’t have a car. So tips for urban car-less dwellers would help.

If you have a list or tips, please share. I know this is a bummer thread, but I also think it could help a lot of people feel less anxiety if they were prepared. Be well.

[Awesomepants]

I live in a high rise building in California and I have a go bag by my front door. I don't go for the survival zombie apocalypse sort of stuff but more the basics that could get me out of my place in the event of a riot, fire, or earthquake. My thought process is what do I need if I had to run out the door from a dead sleep in my underwear and only grab that bag.

I pack a change of clothes and an old pair of shoes, first aid kit, spare pair of glasses, water, snacks, flashlight, portable handheld radios and batteries, a map, and a spare dog leash.

[Amy G]

I’m actually putting together go bags for myself and my dogs. I’m thinking of something similar to a 72 hour kit. I have a car so I’m packing a bit extra. I’m sure I will think of more and the forum is always very helpful.
For me:
a couple of changes of clothes
basic toiletries
medications
snacks
water
copies of important documents and paper list of phone numbers
phone charger and/or battery pack
flashlight
pen and paper
pocketknife
basic first aid kit
???

For the dogs:
copies of health records (rabies cert, etc)
collar with ID
leash
food and collapsible bowl
meds
poop bags
??

[backpack]

Don't forget paperwork!


Social security card and id, insurance cards and credit/debit cards, marriage and birth certificate, voter registration's information.

Passport as well. For new Americans, also take the aforementioned passport and citizenship certificate.

Public transport cards.

On your phone have pictures of all your original documents and cards and put them in the cloud (password protected).

Setup a document with all the contact info for money, health and travel related cards.

Another one with your main passwords and another with phone numbers of friends and relatives in other cities, states and countries.

Save information about your primary care or any specialist physician, and the nearest emergency room or open urgent care in your area and close to bus/train stops 10 miles away or more.

Keep a copy of your prescription and bring the medicines with you, inside their original bottles.

Glasses's prescription(s), sunglasses and readers' strength.

[Rocks]

I knew this forum would help! Many thanks. Backpack, I would have never thought of some of those. Time to get to work!

[backpack]

Don't forget masks and hand cleaning gel!

Clothes:

tees, shorts and socks

also long sleeves hoodies, shirts, wind breaker, long pants.

In cities with unrest, regions with high pollen or dust, take goggles.

Bring your most used over the counter medicines, bandaids, sunscreen, bug repellent, moisturizer for your face and hands, lip balm and other essentials that vary by person.

[dgrls]

Don’t forget wallet with cash and credit cards, and cell phone with charger.

[Denises]

In New Zealand, where we are prone to various natural disasters, there's some official advice on what to pack in a grab bag, sorted into essential, should have and nice to have items.

Most of what's listed would apply to a civil emergency as well as a natural disaster. About the only things I would leave out from the "essential" list are the emergency blanket (you're not going to be sleeping outside) and the radio (used here for disaster communications).

[NWhikergal]

In one of the prior threads on this topic, someone had suggested keeping a copy of important documents on an encrypted thumb drive. Lots of really great suggestions above - I need to put one of these together too. Stay safe, @Rocks and everyone.

[kathryn]

Glad to hear you're safe @Rocks ! I've been thinking about my fellow Minneapolis residents on this forum in the last few days, hoping everyone is ok.

I think the posts above covered everything I have in my go-bag, except a compass to go along with my maps. Stress completely destroys my sense of direction.

I've been meaning for awhile to get my dog her own backpack so she can help carry in case we need to be on foot, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

I did end up leaving the city for the weekend (as it was also my birthday weekend so I visited my parents), and took extra stuff I normally wouldn't to allow me to stay away indefinitely in case things get really bad before I get back.

[Frank II]

Get an ID card available on the net. This card should contain your name, address, phone number, any health issues you have, medications you're taking and dosage, name of insurance company and next of kin--the person who can make medical decisions for you should you not be able to.

You should carry this regardless if you are evacuating or just going about your daily business.

Sent from my SM-T713 using Tapatalk

[kemote]

I currently live in South Minneapolis and skipped town at 2AM on Friday morning when the riots were really starting to get out of control. I gave myself about 20 minutes to pack but here are some things I brought: a few days worth of clothes, toiletries, flashlight, iPad, laptop, battery bank as well as some other things that would be hard to replace like social security card, birth certificate, work badge, and a few photos that I would not want to lose. I also brought enough food to last me a few days. I'm fortunate that my parents live an hour from here where it is much safer. I just came back a few hours ago now that things seem to be getting more peaceful. I now have my Synik packed as a "go bag" in case I need to get out again. This time, I'll be able to leave in a minutes notice if I need to. Stay safe!

[Rocks]

@azbandit I have friends on 31st street and a friend who lives in Midtown Global Market. They evacuated too.
I have a Synapse 25 Guide’s Edition that’s going to be my go-bag. Be well.

[kathryn]

Happy to hear you've got a safe place to go nearby, @azbandit . I'm in a similar situation--staying with my parents about 90 minutes outside the cities, but I plan to head back to Minneapolis later this week if it seems ok. Stay safe everyone!

[Darcy]

I currently live in South Minneapolis and skipped town at 2AM on Friday morning when the riots were really starting to get out of control. I gave myself about 20 minutes to pack but here are some things I brought: a few days worth of clothes, toiletries, flashlight, iPad, laptop, battery bank as well as some other things that would be hard to replace like social security card, birth certificate, work badge, and a few photos that I would not want to lose. I also brought enough food to last me a few days. I'm fortunate that my parents live an hour from here where it is much safer. I just came back a few hours ago now that things seem to be getting more peaceful. I now have my Synik packed as a "go bag" in case I need to get out again. This time, I'll be able to leave in a minutes notice if I need to. Stay safe!

Happy to hear you've got a safe place to go nearby, @azbandit . I'm in a similar situation--staying with my parents about 90 minutes outside the cities, but I plan to head back to Minneapolis later this week if it seems ok. Stay safe everyone!

Thinking of you both, hope you're doing alright!