The team at 123HELP encourages every homeowner and family to have an emergency go-bag. Natural or man-caused disasters can strike Phoenix with little or no warning. Lightning damage, fire, and flooding are the most potential disasters. An emergency go-bag should be part of everyone’s disaster preparedness planning checklist. It would help if you had a one-stop grab-and-go bag or suitcase for all the essentials.)
Most people plan for the to-go bag(s) to be transported by an automobile, which is fine. However, also remember that they will probably need to be hand-carried too. Thus, size and weight are a consideration.
Essential items for a to-go-bag include:
1. Portable/pocket radio
2. First aid kit
3. Flashlight
4. Portable battery pack for a cell phone
5. Refillable water bottle
6. Water purification tablets/LifeStraw
7. Multi-tool (include scissors and a knife)
Other items to include:
- 2-4 extra batteries (most radios require 2 AA)
- An external hard drive with backups of important files/photos
- A set of keys for your house/car
- Spare glasses/contact lenses
- Lighters/matches
- An extra photocopy of your ID
- A list of emergency contacts
- Meal replacement bars
- One change of clothes for each person
- Thermal blankets
- Plastic rain gear
- A whistle
Last-minute additions to your to-go-bag:
- Cash
- Your medicine
- Cell phone / Laptop /I-pad and chargers
- Hard drive backups
Pre-packed emergency go-bags are available for purchase from hardware stores, camping supply companies, and online sources, including the Red Cross website, see: https://www.redcross.org/store/preparedness
When building or buying your to-go bag, think about your and your family’s needs and even your pets. A small package of dried pet food doesn’t take too much space, and your pet will thank you. So, customize your bag to fit your needs.
At 123HELP APP, we hope you will never need to use an emergency go-bag. Having one provides peace of mind. If your home suffers property damage, the professional repair companies Approved by the 123HELP APP are available to make the required repairs.
