Save the stress for later
Packing proper go-bag can help make tough situation easier
Heather Kretzer, a health consultant for the Florida Department of Health in Panama City, lives near the water. But the most recent call for an evacuation in her area wasn’t because of a hurricane, but because of an active shooter.
The incident, which did not result in any bystanders being injured, but did lead to the temporary evacuation of an apartment complex, drove home to Kretzer the need for all families to have a survival bag they can grab in an emergency.
“You can be asked to evacuate your home for a number of emergencies — often with little warning and limited time to gather your possessions,” she said.
No area is immune from disaster and unexpected evacuation, said Jim Judge, emergency management director for Volusia County, Fla., and a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Threats range from weather concerns and wildfires to hazardous material spills and police matters.
Having a pre-packed bag or bin ready will help reduce stress, said Stuart Warshaw, whose company VLESdesigns sells stocked emergency bags. He and other safety experts also recommend having a plan about how to evacuate and where to go.
“You need a cool head when there’s little time and potentially critical decisions to make,” he said.
His bag includes wheels so it can be rolled through urban areas or airports and it also has straps and a waist belt so it can be worn as a backpack.
Some families prefer an old suitcase or plastic tub stored under a bed or in a closet, Judge said. A duffel bag also works well, Kretzer said.
The contents of your kit should help you survive up to three days, she said. Be sure to think about every member of the family, including pets.
Kretzer, Judge and Warshaw offered the following suggestions on what to include in an emergency bag:
FOOD AND WATER
Remember that supplies should last the entire family three days. That includes four litres of water per person per day. Include non-perishable food that requires no water or cooking. Don’t forget plates, utensils and can opener. Protein bars make a good emergency food, Kretzer said.
Tip: Warshaw recommends water purification tablets in case the water supply becomes tainted.
PERSONAL NEEDS
This includes eyeglasses, contact solution, hygiene supplies and medicines that are taken regularly. If you have a young child, include diapers, baby food and formula.
Tip: If you are unable to pack medications, tape a note to the bag reminding you to grab them or prepare a checklist of last-minute additions.
CLOTHING
Three days’ worth for every member of your family. Tip: Include sturdy shoes and hats.
SAFETY SUPPLIES
A go-bag should include a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, matches in a waterproof container and a whistle. It also may be helpful to have strong tape, plastic sheeting and a few tools.
Tip: Remove the batteries from the flashlight and other items to avoid corrosion.
COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
The power may be out, so a battery operated or handcrank radio is essential, Judge said. Two-way radios also will be useful. Pack phone cords and chargers to use once power is restored.
Tip: Consider identifying an out-of-town relative as a contact point for everyone in the family.
PAPERWORK/CASH
Either include copies of birth certificates, IDs, insurance policies and prescriptions in the kit or save encrypted copies/photos of them on a secure online storage spot. A map with evacuation routes will be helpful. Make sure you have cash in the kit. Tip: Print out a list of important phone numbers in case you can’t access the contact list in your phone.