What’s in your go-bag?
Contents of a typical go-bag should include first aid supplies, food and water, and items to keep you dry, warm, and clean
Photo by Samantha Lyles
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
With hurricane season reaching its peak and volatile weather becoming more commonplace throughout the year, safety experts recommend taking the initiative and readying necessary supplies for you and your family in case of emergency. Darlington County Emergency Management director Mike “Mac” McDonald advises keeping enough food, water, and medical supplies on hand to last from three to seven days – but what if you are stranded at work or away from home? Storing a go-bag (alternately called a “get home bag”) in your vehicle is an intermediate step that could serve you well if you’re caught out during an emergency.
Items for a typical go-bag should provide for basic needs like food, hydration, keeping dry and clean, and staying warm. Lots of these items can be found at your local Walmart, at sporting goods stores, and online at retailers like Amazon.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, make up an inventory sheet so you’ll know at a glance what’s in the bag. The inventory sheet should also list expiration dates on food, water, and first aid items so you can replace them when necessary.
Suggestions:
1. A first aid kit containing antiseptic, bandages and tape, a blood clotting sponge or powder (the QuikClot brand is widely available), instant activation cold compress, scissors and tweezers. Basic in-car kits are available for around $15 to $20 and usually come in a sturdy case or carry bag.
2. Items to keep you dry, clean, and warm, like a Mylar emergency blanket and disposable poncho – both of which are sold folded in compact zip bags for easy storage. Packages of pre-moistened shower cloths can help you clean up when bathing isn’t an option. Travel kits containing toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, and soap are available for just a few dollars. And ladies, be sure to stash an adequate supply of monthly hygiene items.
3. Emergency food bars can provide a hefty hit of 400 to 500 calories per bar, plus they are made to last for several years and resist spoilage through hot weather. Compact and long-lasting emergency drinking water supply bags take up less space than plastic bottles and resist changing temperatures.
4. A bright LED flashlight and extra batteries, glow sticks, a fire starter kit, and a whistle (the louder, the better) can help you to find your way – or be found by first responders – should you encounter trouble.
5. A small emergency weather radio, usually available for less than $15, can be powered by solar cell or a hand crank.
6. Keep a spare ID (like the photo identification cards available through the South Carolina DMV) and a little cash in the bag, in case credit card terminals are not functioning.
Depending on the amount of space you have in your vehicle, you may wish to include other items like a sleeping bag, a water filtration device (such as a Lifestraw), a multi-tool, extra clothes, work gloves, walkie-talkie radios, and your preferred self-defense weapons.
Needs and priorities will vary from person to person, so alter the contents to suit your situation. But remember that storing even a few of these items in your vehicle may help increase your safety and comfort during a turbulent time.