~~NOCACHE~~ //This page last changed ~~LASTMOD~~ Visits: [{{counter|today| time| times}} today, {{counter|yesterday| time| times}} yesterday, and {{counter|total| time| total times}}]// =====The Go Bag===== This is a bag you can grab as you run out of the house in an emergency. Emergencies like: flooding, fire, hurricane, etc. What would you put in it? What kind of bag to use (maybe a backpack)? Maybe more than one bag?\\ You're basically looking for things to bring as you escape to a safer place, realizing that it might take a day or three to get there and you might be stranded in your car for a while (e.g., in a traffic jam). Consider places you might go to if you have to run for some reason. Bag type to use * Best would be a bag that doesn't look like a go-bag. * Hiking backpack for example. * No to camouflage or military type bag (too obvious). * You don't want to stand out from the crowd, you want to blend in. First set stuff to pack * Medications. Your medications, maybe in a zip lock bag. Non-perishable ones. (Else put in cooler.) * Car keys * House keys * Wallet with credit cards * Reading/distance/bifocal glasses and a spare Zip lock bag (keeps them dry and together) holding * Photocopy of passport, drivers license, birth cert, social security card, healthcare cards. Leave these in the bag (in case you forget the originals). * Passports * Drivers licenses * Birth certificate copies * Social Security card * Health care cards; Medicare, Supplemental, Drug, Dental, Vision * Important medical information (allergy info, etc) * Checkbook * Stamps (& envelopes?) * Cash * Your password list * Better is to store this in an encrypted file using free software; I use KeePass to hold passwords and other important data. See [[security_topics#steve_s_opinions|my thoughts on password storage]] Technology * Your computer * Power for your computer * Your backup for the computer (for Mac: TimeMachine disk) * Your cellphones * Cellphone external battery (and keep it charged -- so you can have power in your cellphone on the run) * Cellphone charger * Your Kindle/Nook/whatever electronic book * USB battery pack * Consider: fold-out small solar panel for USB charging * Batteries * For flashlight(s) and other items needing them * Mind dates -- monthly replace old ones (maybe those within 1 year of due date) * Consider putting in zip lock bag, so they're not loose and in case of leakage * NOAA Weather Radio * GPS * Your hardware crypto wallet Food & first aid * Energy or granola type bars * Prepackaged nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, peanut butter (protein) * Crackers (don't go moldy like bread. Matzoh if you have some.) * Sports drinks or water * Water purification tablets, mini-filters, or reusable water bottle equipped with a filter * First aid kit * Handy wipes * Bug spray * Face mask * Rubber gloves * Can/bottle opener * Swiss army knife * Matches Protective * Mace * Firearm (&ammunition) * Survival knife (maybe) * Loud whistle Secondary * Couple days clothing (Put one change clothing in bag with extra socks and underwear. Use 2nd bag for additional sets clothing.) * Good pair of sneakers & extra pair socks * Rain jacket & hat (warm weather) * Winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves (cold weather) * Plastic utensils (knife,fork,spoon) * Paper towels, napkins * Plastic trash bags (use for dirty laundry, trash, etc) * Cooler with ice pack(s) and also frozen food, cold cuts, bread, etc (to use while traveling to safe spot) * Wrench or pliers Needed medical equipment * ankle & back braces * cane ===Monthly do this=== * Top off (recharge) rechargeable batteries * Cycle food and medication * Recharge any electronics in the bag ===References=== * [[https://www.simplemost.com/36-items-you-should-have-in-your-emergency-bag/]] * [[https://www.survivalsullivan.com/best-car-bug-out-bag/]] * [[https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/504252/what-put-your-go-bag-case-emergency]] ===AARP Suggestions=== [[https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/packing-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-fd.html]] - Basic electronics\\ Pack an extra phone charger in case you’re fortunate enough to have electricity, and a portable battery pack in case you’re not. Also stash a long-lasting LED flashlight. Pack a small hand-cranked or battery-operated AM/FM radio (with extra batteries). - Personal needs\\ While getting ready for a typical day, list every toiletry you use, then buy a travel-size version of each. Pack backup eyeglasses, as well as a first-aid kit, baby wipes and a multipurpose tool with a knife and can opener. - Clothing\\ Pack a few days’ worth. Include layers you can add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and waterproof boots. - Your meds\\ Pack about three days’ worth of each of your prescriptions, which should last until you can get to a pharmacy that’s open. If you need larger items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure you have a portable version. - The perfect bag\\ Think small and portable. A backpack is ideal, but a lightweight suitcase with wheels will also do. Just remember, you may literally be running with it. - Paperwork\\ Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney and will; any marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; and information about your credit and ATM cards. - Food and drink\\ Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy bars are great because they are small and filling, and they come in a variety of flavors. - Cash\\ In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you need to buy something out of a vending machine, you don’t want to start asking equally desperate strangers for change.