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