Emergency Kits & Go Bags: Be Ready to Move Fast (3-4 min. read)
When disaster strikes, every second counts. That’s why having an emergency kit and/or a go bag ready can make all the difference for your family’s safety and peace of mind. Continue reading to learn about the types of emergency kits and how to build your own shelter-in-place kit.
Types of Emergency Kits
Shelter-in-Place Kit: A larger supply of essentials (food, water, first aid, medications, important documents, etc.) to help your family shelter at home or at another semi-permanent location after an evacuation for several days.
Go Bag: A smaller, portable bag or suitcase with critical items like clothes, flashlights, cash, and personal needs—ready to take with you if you must leave in a hurry, like for major evacuations. A variation of this is a "bug-out" bag, which also includes outdoor survival components and non-perishable food.
Vehicle Kit: In addition to survival basics like food, water, and first aid, this kit contains essential vehicle repair items, including jumper cables, tire repair supplies, and small tool kits. With a vehicle kit, you should be ready to perform small roadside repairs and/or shelter in your vehicle if necessary.
Building a Shelter-in-Place Emergency Kit in 3 Steps
Below is a simple, practical guide to building a household emergency kit that will serve your family for 3–7 days. Keep it doable—start with basics and add family-specific items as you go.
Step 1 — Choose the right container
Look for an airtight and waterproof container or use heavy-duty plastic bags inside the container.
Match the size of the container to the size of your family. You could use multiple containers for large families or pair your emergency kit with individualized go bags.
ReStore Tip: Your kit should be durable and easy to carry, in case you need to evacuate and shelter in a different location.
Step 2 — Pack items to last 3–7 days (the basics)
Essentials: Water, Non-perishable food, First aid kit, Flashlight + extra batteries.
ReStore Tips: 1. Consider the season & climate — add blankets, warm clothing, or sun protection as appropriate. 2. Consider the unique needs of your family, like pets, infants/children, prescription medications, mobility aids, etc. 3. You can find many affordable items for your kit at the ReStore.
Step 3 — Store and Maintain
Easy access is key: store your main kit in a cool, dark, dry place that’s quick to reach—examples: pantry shelf, closet near an exit, garage cabinet, or basement (if dry).
Label the kit with the contents and the date it was assembled.
Rotate and update contents routinely. Consider seasonal weather patterns and the expiration dates of food, meds, and batteries inside the kit.
ReStore Tips: 1. Keep a simple expiration log for food, meds, and batteries. 2. Replace food items at least one month before they expire so nothing goes to waste. For meds and batteries, consider switching them out 2-3 months before expiration.
