‘GO BAGS’: 8 EMERGENCY ITEMS TO PREPARE
Raging storms, flash floods, volcanic eruptions and sudden earthquakes are unpredictable natural calamities. It is essential to prepare your family in these cases.
“We never know when a disaster will strike, or if a situation will occur that would require one to suddenly leave or evacuate their home. When time is of the essence and mere seconds can make a difference, it is important to have all the items you and your family will need in an easy-to-grab bag,” said John Patrick Zablan, director of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Emergency, Management, Safety, and Security (CEMMS).
Zablan with the school’s vice chancellor for administration David Terence Tiu shared key elements needed for an ideal “go bag.”
Food: Have nonperishable food,0 such as energy biscuits, crackers, cookies and instant cereals. Canned goods and cup noodles are essential. Prepare 1.5 liters of bottled water per member, plus instant coffee, tea or milk. Pack plastic utensils and trash bags. Food should be packed separately and occupy the top portion of the bag.
Toiletries: The hygiene set should include antibacterial soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash. Add hand sanitizers, insect repellents, wet wipes, tissue paper and hand towels. Include sanitary napkins for females. Toiletries should be in a distinct spot at the very top.
Survival gear: Include a multipurpose pocket knife with can opener, candles, rope, as well as whistle and other small noise-making devices. Fire starters, such as matches and lighters, should be placed in resealable bags.
Tech tools: Prepare a flashlight or pen light. Bring a small AM radio with extra batteries, power banks, chargers and extension cords. Keep these in the side pockets of the go bag.
Personal protective equipment: Ensure you have enough N95 and dust masks, surgical gloves and raincoat or poncho. Safety goggles may be necessary depending on the calamity. Place these in the front pockets.
First-aid kits: First-aid essentials are alcohol, band-aids, povidone iodine, wound ointment, sterile gauze, micropore tape and elastic bandage. Add other equipment, such as metal tweezers, scissors and safety pins. Stock up on maintenance medications and over-thecounter cough, cold, antidiarrhea medicines and pain relievers, such as mefenamic acid and paracetamol. Make certain these are easily accessible.
Clothing and bedding: Opt for light clothes that are good for two to three days. Include shawls, jackets, slippers, as well as a pair of footwear for protection. For bedding, go for a light sleeping bag and blanket. Secure these belongings at the bottom part of the bag.
Documents and cash: Prepare emergency cash and loose change in case the banks and ATMs are not accessible. Keep a copy of emergency contacts, such as local government offices, police stations, hospitals and Red Cross chapters. List down important information, such as social security numbers, bank details and insurance policies. Consider copies of other legal documents. Put all these in a water-proof plastic envelope.