Emergency Go Bag Checklist
A practical packing list for the first 72 hours away from home.
A go bag holds the essentials you can take when you need to leave home quickly. Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to your household. Follow local evacuation instructions.
Pack personal essentials for each person and agree who carries shared items. Check that everyone can manage their bag. Keep it easy to reach, and leave promptly if told to evacuate.
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Water & food
- Bottled drinking water, with a plan for the full supply described below
- A reusable bottle for refills from a confirmed safe water source
- High-energy food for 3 days: energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, canned goods
- Manual can opener, utensils, and a cup
- Special foods: baby formula or dietary needs
The American Red Cross recommends about 3.8 liters (1 US gallon) of water per person, per day. Plan a three-day supply for evacuation. That can be too heavy for one backpack. Plan how to transport your water and where to get safe refills.
Portable filters do not remove every type of germ. Boiling or disinfecting cannot make water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals safe. Follow local water advisories and the CDC guidance below.
First aid & medication
- A stocked first aid kit: bandages, gauze, antiseptic, tweezers
- Your regular medication and prescription list. Ask your pharmacist about a seven-day supply and storage needs.
- Any over-the-counter medicines you normally use, with their instructions
- Disposable gloves and face masks
- Spare glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aid batteries
Documents & cash
- Copies of IDs, passports, and insurance cards in a waterproof pouch
- Cash in small bills — ATMs and card readers fail in outages
- A written list of emergency contacts and meeting places
- USB drive with scans of important records and family photos
- A paper map of your area with evacuation routes marked
Tools & light
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and a charged power bank
- Whistle to signal for help
- Multi-tool, duct tape, and work gloves
Clothing & warmth
- A full change of warm clothes per person
- Sturdy closed shoes and spare socks
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Emergency blanket or compact sleeping bag
- Toothbrush, soap, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
Family & pets
- Baby food, diapers, and wipes for little ones
- Pet food, a leash, and a copy of vaccination records
- A small game or comfort item for each child
- Spare house and car keys
- A copy of your family emergency plan
Extra items for your household
Frequently asked questions
- What is an emergency go bag?
- A go bag is a backpack packed with the essentials your household needs for the first 72 hours of an evacuation: water, food, first aid, documents, light, and warm clothing. It stays packed by the door so you can leave in minutes.
- What should be in an emergency backpack?
- Water and high-energy food for three days, a first aid kit and personal medication, copies of documents and cash, a flashlight, radio, and chargers, plus warm clothing and hygiene basics. The full checklist above covers each category.
- What is the difference between a go bag and a bug out bag?
- These names often overlap. Both describe a bag packed for leaving quickly. Choose supplies for your destination, local risks, and household needs rather than relying on the name.
- How often should I update my go bag?
- Review the bag every six months and when your needs change. Replace supplies before they expire, check batteries, and update clothing and documents. Follow the storage instructions on food, water, and medication.
Sources and guidance
Build your go bag with ReadyPack
Scan barcodes to add your supplies to ReadyPack, record expiry dates, and check what still needs packing. Share the bag with your family so everyone can see the list.