Supplies for Pets and Kids

iVillage.com: What to Pack in Your Emergency 'Go Bag'

Don't forget to pack the bag with food and water allotments for pets and children as well. Ward suggests having kids help assemble the kit, so there's an element of understanding about emergency preparations. They can choose a few small books or games to add to the go bag as well to distract them during an emergency, says Ward. If you have infants, include diapers, wipes and formula.

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The Bag

"We are not as prepared as we could be in this country," says Nancy Ward, FEMA Region IX Administrator. "A go bag can save and sustain your life." Start by picking the bag: "Make sure it's durable and easy to carry," says Ward. She recommends something waterproof, like nylon or canvas, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. "And make sure it's big enough so you can get everything into that one kit." Keep the bag in an easily accessible place. "For no-notice events like earthquakes and tsunamis, you need to act instinctively and get to the kit," says Ward, who adds that she keeps one go bag at home and one in the car for roadside emergencies. “If you're out and you can't get home, you have something in your car to sustain you."

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Food and Water

"We recommend 72 hours worth of supplies, because it may take that long before officials can get to your area," says Kelly Huston of the California Emergency Management Agency. That means three days worth of food and water, which equals one gallon per person, per day. FEMA recommends this large amount of water for evacuations via car or if you're in a shelter as opposed to pedestrian evacuations, when you should only take as much as you can easily carry. Food-wise, Huston recommends cereal bars, nuts, crackers -- "basically anything that can last a long time and is non-perishable and ready to eat." Ward adds, "If you have canned food, bring a can opener but don't bring anything that requires mixing or heating." Also, because water has an expiration date (which has to do with the plastic it's bottled in), "Make sure it has a few years of shelf life when you put it in your bag," advises Huston.

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First Aid and Me...

A first aid kit, even a basic one with bandages, gauze, scissors and tape, is one of the most crucial elements in a go bag. "Any first aid kit is good to have, like a pre-made one from Target or even the dollar store," says Huston. "A majority of the injuries that occur in an earthquake are cuts or bruises from broken glass or small objects that fall on people; you want to be able to take care of minor injuries yourself, which takes the strain off of emergency responders who will be dealing with the most critically injured." Aside from first aid supplies, pack any necessary medications including pet meds, a list of all prescriptions and an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses.

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Documents and Ca...

"We're conditioned to go to the ATM for money, but as we've seen with power outages, they don't always work," says Ward. Get cash ahead of time and keep it in a sealed plastic baggy along with other essential documents, like health, home and car insurance information, prescriptions and personal identification, says Huston. He also suggests storing that information online (such as in Google Docs) so you can access it from anywhere, should it lost or damaged.

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Maps, Tools and ...

Ward lists the following as kit must-haves: A flashlight and extra batteries for it, a battery-operated radio or weather radio that can transmit emergency signals, a cell phone and charger or solar-powered charger (in case there's no electricity). You'll need a map of your local area since "you may have to evacuate out of an area or direction you've never gone before," says Huston. Also add a few tools into the kit, such as a wrench for turning off gas and water lines if necessary. Ward advises to figure out ahead of time the size wrench you’ll need for your home’s water and gas pipes. Turning off the gas is crucial if a gas main breaks to prevent a leak in the house. But make sure a professional turns the gas back on when it's safe. Other FEMA-recommended tools to include are a utility knife, duct tape and work gloves.

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Supplies for Pet...

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Personal Hygiene...

Pack hygiene essentials in the bag, such as tampons and maxi pads, as well as garbage bags with twist ties to dispose of them. Throw in moist towelettes and on-the-go mini toothbrushes, neither of which require water. Water could become a scarce resource following a disaster, so everything in the bag should be useable without it.

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Dust Masks

Some disasters, such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, can kick up toxic dust, making a dust mask crucial. "Any covering for your face can work, even a t-shirt," says Huston. An actual dust mask is easiest, however, as it hooks around the ears and protects the nose and mouth. (Picture the blue mask worn by dentists or house painters). You can buy them at most home improvement or drug stores.

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Clothes

A spare change of clothes is advisable. If a disaster hits in the middle of the night and there isn't time to change out of your nightie, you'll appreciate having a shirt and leggings in a bag. "Know your types of risks," says Ward. "For folks who live in inclement weather, you might need jackets, boots and extra bedding in your kit." As a final reminder, Huston says, "You don't have to spend a lot of money on a kit. You have a lot of these items around the house already."

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