

If you had to evacuate your home in 15 minutes, could you? An emergency go bag ensures you and your family have the essentials when seconds count. Swipe ahead to know which useful items to have in your bag.

Clean water is your No. 1 survival priority, and the Grayl GeoPress delivers it faster and more effectively than any other portable option. This 24-ounce water bottle has a built-in purification system that removes 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, protozoa plus heavy metals and chemicals, all in just eight seconds. Press down on any water source (rivers, lakes or questionable tap water) and you have safe drinking water instantly.
Buy from AmazonDuring evacuations and natural disasters, grocery stores close and food supplies run out fast. This ReadyWise 3-day emergency food kit provides 30 servings (enough for one person for 3 days, or split among family members for shorter durations). The freeze-dried meals—including cereal, pasta, rice dishes, and whey milk—require only hot water and 10 minutes to rehydrate. No cooking, no refrigeration needed.
Buy from AmazonWhen disasters strike, professional medical help may be delayed or inaccessible. A comprehensive first-aid kit gives you the ability to treat injuries immediately—potentially saving lives. This 105-piece kit includes bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, butterfly closures, medical gloves and more. It's designed to handle everything from minor cuts and burns to more serious injuries like deep lacerations or sprains.
Buy from AmazonDuring disasters, access to information can save your life. FEMA recommends NOAA weather radios because they broadcast critical alerts 24/7—tornado warnings, evacuation orders, emergency instructions—even when power and internet fail. This portable, waterproof emergency radio receives AM, FM and NOAA weather channels, and you can power it five ways: hand crank, solar panel, rechargeable battery, AAA batteries or AC power.
Buy from AmazonDuring evacuations, you may need to shelter outdoors overnight—in your car, at a rest stop or in the wilderness. Hypothermia is a real risk, even in moderate temperatures if you're wet or exposed to wind. This S.O.L. emergency bivvy acts as a heat-reflective cocoon, trapping 90% of your body heat and protecting you from wind, rain and snow. Unlike disposable mylar blankets that tear easily, this bivvy is made of durable, tear-resistant nylon you can use multiple times.
Buy from AmazonImportant documents prove who you are, what you own and what medical care you need. In a disaster, originals can be destroyed—but copies in fireproof, waterproof pouches survive. This three-pouch set protects documents from fires up to 2000°F and full water submersion, with sizes for different needs: small for IDs and cash, medium for insurance and property documents, large for medical records and certificates.
Buy from AmazonIn emergencies, you won't have access to a full toolbox—but you'll still need to cut, fix and improvise. The Leatherman Rev is a 14-in-1 multitool that handles emergency repairs and problem-solving in one compact package. Use it to cut rope, pry open stuck windows, strip wires, open food containers or make quick fixes. It includes needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, a knife, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, can and bottle openers, scissors and a ruler.
Buy from AmazonA tactical backpack isn't just a bag—it's an organizational system designed for crisis situations. This 25-liter LHI pack holds enough supplies for one adult for 72 hours. It's made of rip-resistant 900-denier nylon with reinforced stitching that won't fail under stress. The MOLLE webbing system lets you customize external storage—attach pouches for first aid, flashlights or water bottles so critical items are always within reach.
Buy from AmazonDisasters often mean going days or weeks without running water. Wet wipes become essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections. These NorthShore wipes are designed for full-body cleaning—at 9x13 inches, they're larger than standard baby wipes. The durable, quilted material can handle vigorous cleaning while remaining gentle on skin, and aloe and calendula extracts soothe to prevent dryness and irritation.
Buy from AmazonNo emergency go bag is complete without a reliable flashlight. It is critical for navigating safely in the dark when power grids are down and serves as a powerful tool for signaling for help. The Streamlight Stinger 2020 (78104) offers a bright, steady 2,000 lumens at its highest setting and can run for a full 24 hours at its 100-lumen low setting. Charging is versatile: Use the integrated USB port on the batteries, a battery bank charger or existing Stinger smart chargers.
Buy from Amazon