Preparing For an Emergency? Here's How to Pack a Go Bag For Your Family

As wildfires rage throughout southern California, forcing mass evacuations across the state, you may be rethinking your own emergency strategy — not only how to ensure your family's safety in the event of a natural disaster, but also how to prepare for it. Evacuations can be stressful enough without having to panic-organize supplies in the face of danger, which is why having a family emergency plan and packed "go bag" is so important.

A 2023 survey from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) showed that only 51 percent of Americans believe they're prepared in the event of a natural disaster, while only 37 percent acknowledged having an actual plan for evacuation.

In critical moments, emergency go bags are designed to help remove any additional stress from these threatening situations — that way you can focus entirely on keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe. If you're looking for an emergency kit list or want to know what's in a survival bag, ahead, we break down what the best go bags include — and where to stock up on your emergency supplies.

For starters, the term 'bag' is used loosely within this context. A go bag doesn't necessarily have to be a backpack or sack, as the goal is simply to organize all of your most critical supplies in one area — that way you're able to evacuate quickly in the event of an emergency. Crates, bins, boxes, or anything that can be carried or transferred to a vehicle will suffice.

While the contents of a go bag or emergency supply kit may vary from one family to another, there are several essentials you should always make sure to have on hand in the event of a natural disaster or evacuation. Per the FEMA website, the agency recommends that people have enough supplies to last for several days — at minimum 72 hours. This includes everything from water — one gallon per person, per day — to nonperishable foods, a first aid kit, extra batteries, and a dust mask, among other items. The US Department of State also provides a list of packing essentials on its website, with recommendations that include currency, documentation (passports, visas, a driver's license), and medical prescriptions.

Families with younger kiddos should also pack additional products according to their children's age. Those with infants will want to make sure their go bag is equipped with infant formula and baby wipes, while families with toddlers and older children should make sure to include items like an extra set of clothes and activity books that'll help to relax your kiddos and keep their mind's preoccupied.

Not sure where to start with organizing your go bag? Below, we created several lists of go bag essentials that are designed to provide you with a starting point, that way you can prepare for the unexpected.