One of the most important things you can do is prepare an emergency go bag. With the unpredictable nature of our lives, disaster preparedness is a must. No one wants to think that they will have to experience a disaster or an emergency. It is our sincere hope that you never will. However, with just a little preparation, we can save a lot of heartache later.

Below is a checklist of items needed for a three-day go bag. Not every item listed might be needed in your case. You may also find that more items are needed in your case. Please carefully review this go bag checklist to determine what you need, taking into account your specific circumstances.

Please note that this guide does contain affiliate links to products we stand behind. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission that will help keep this free website running.

The Checklist

While go bag checklists may vary from place to place, the following items should be part of your go bag.

• Food – 72 hour supply
• Water – 72 hour supply
• Water Purification – Water Filter Straw and Purification Tablets
• Shelter – Blankets, Tents, Ponchos, Bivy Sacks, Tarp
• Bag – backpacks, duffle bags, rolling bags
• Complete change of warm clothes, including seasonal shoes, hats, etc.
• Flashlight
• Radio (battery or windup)
• Spare batteries
• First-aid Kit – should include bandages, aspirin, cold compress, gloves, hydrocortisone ointment, roller bandages, tweezers, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, cloth tape
• Medicines – prescription and non-prescription medications, glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc., antibiotic ointment, Imodium (or similar), insect repellent, 70% isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Caladryl (or similar), sunblock, etc.
• Soap, hand sanitizer, baby wipes & toiletries, and feminine products
• Whistle to signal for help
• Survival tools – pocket knife or robust survival gear kit
• Portable Lighting – Include Flashlight and Emergency Glow Light Sticks
• Dust masks
• Tape
• Rope
• Battery Pack
• Reflective gear
• Child-care supplies and special-needs items for seniors or the disabled
• A waterproof folder or container with needed medication, copies of prescriptions, and other important documents
  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Other Forms of Identification
  • Proof of Residency
  • Family Photo
• List of emergency contacts and meeting places and a local map
• Credit cards and cash
• Extra set of house keys and car keys
• Paper, pens, and activities for children
• Pet supplies, if needed