Be Ready to Go — Build Your “Go Bag!" An important message from our Emergency Response Team! September is Emergency Prep Month- building a "Go Bag" now can help you in the event of an emergency.
A grab-and-go bag, or go bag, is a small, portable emergency kit with the essentials you need if you must leave home immediately. Go bags are important because they keep essential supplies ready for situations when you need to leave quickly, such as an emergency evacuation, a sudden hospital trip, or other urgent, unexpected events. People with disabilities can stay safer by preparing for emergencies, which builds confidence, helps protect your life, and ensures you are ready to respond!
Pack a go bag for each member of your household. It should include items like food, water, prescriptions, and extra clothing to last a couple of days.
Go Bag vs. Emergency Kit:
Go Bag: Portable, lightweight, covers your needs for the first 1–3 days after evacuation.
Emergency Kit: Larger, kept at home, with supplies to shelter in place for several days.
Pack your go bag with:
Ready-to-eat food and water
Phone charger and battery bank
Your assistive technology
Flashlight and extra batteries
Medications (to last 3 days) and first-aid kit
Copies of ID and important documents
Cash in small bills
Change of clean clothes & blanket
Do not forget about your pets & service animals! Pack pet food, water, non-spill bowls, medicine, leashes, and pet carriers in a go bag for when you need to leave with them. It is also important to identify emergency veterinary hospitals and pet-friendly shelters ahead of time as part of your preparation. And remember;
Your go bag = quick safety
Your emergency kit = longer-term home supplies Resources:
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Able SC, Emergency Preparedness and Response
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APHA, Get Ready
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NPR Life Kit, how to pack a go bag for emergencies
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Ready.gov, Build a Kit
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