What’s In a Go Bag?

In wake of the devastating California fires, I’ve been lucky enough to steal the ear of my dear friend and emergency preparedness expert Cari Butler, of LA based Emergency Cafe. Cari is helping us collectively break down what we need to do now. With the goal of getting our friends, clients and followers prepared for emergency evacuation regardless of where you live our goal is simple: get you prepared now, for what can’t be predicted later. Reminder, Californians are not out of the woods.

What’s the difference between a Go Bag, and an Emergency Bag?

In short, a go bag is a permanently packed bag that’s ready to go at all times with clothes, shoes and essentials, that you can grab if  you need to evacuate in minutes. An emergency bag (kit, car or pet) is crucial for immediate survival neeeds and contains key emergency supplies like radio, batteries, first aid and more.

With that in mind, we recommend all families preemptively pack a go bag for each family member. If you need a place to start, it’s here. If you’re a real DIY’er Cari’s included a list of emergency supplies below. If you’re like me and ready to get it done for you now, use code SIMPLYSPACED10 for 10% off all kits at EmergencyCafe.com.

Grab and Go Bag: ALL FAMILY MEMBERS

• 2 -3 pairs of pants
• 2 – 3 Shirts
• 1 Sweatshirt
• 1 Jacket
• 7 pair socks
• 7 pair underwear
• 1 pair tennis shoes
• Personal hygiene items
  • Toiletries:
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Soap
    • Shampoo
    • Deodorant
  • Sanitary Supplies
• Medications and Medical supplies
• Eye Glasses
• Extra set of keys
• Important Documents
  • Ids (Copies of drivers licenses, passports +)
  • Medical records (vaccinations, prescriptions +)
  • Insurance information (heath, auto, home)
  • Emergency Contacts
  • House Deed
  • Pink Slips
• Cash (small bills) $500- $2000
• Communication tools
  • Portable Charger
  • Two-way radio
• Optional extras
  • Extra shoes
  • Weather dependent essentials
  • comfort items like light blankets and stuffed animals
  • Notebook & pen

Emergency Kit: ENOUGH FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS

• Food
• Water
• Light Source such as flashlight and batteries and/or light sticks
• AM/FM Radio and batteries
• Emergency Blanket
• Poncho
• Toilet Paper

Pet Kit:

• Extra Food
• Bowls
• Leash
• Blanket
• Meds
• Toys

If there’s ONE lesson we can take away from the fires that shook LA, emergencies do happen. In words of Cari, “we cannot predict, but we can prepare.” A small inconvenience now can be a major game changer in the panic of an emergency.  A well prepared emergency go bag can provide peace of mind and help you navigate emergency situations effectively. Regular review and update of contents will ensure everything  is current and in good condition.

Cari’s best tip: “Pack what you’d actually want to wear, this isn’t a place to stash your trash. Keep it in a place that’s easily accessible. Stay safe and be prepared.”

If  you’d like to join the waitlist for our detailed PDF emergency supply checklist and a customizable family emergency plan, please email hello@simplyspaced.com with your and EMERGENCY in the subject line. We’re working on getting together materials out as soon as possible.

With love, prayers, and California on our minds,

Monica & Cari