What I Pack in My Go Bag to Stay Ready for Any Natural Disaster
I live on the Gulf Coast in Florida in a town that's been hit hard by hurricanes in the past. With a new hurricane season underway as of June 1, I'm more on guard than ever. Hurricanes are nothing new to me -- I grew up near the water in North Carolina, where my parents still live -- but even still, news of a developing storm gets me anxious. That's why I'm always prepared with a bag of essentials.
I've built my trusty emergency go bag from hard-won experience, including during last year's hurricanes Helene and Milton. (And this bag isn't just for hurricane preparation -- my sister lives in Oklahoma and has assembled her own go bag based on my recommendations for tornadoes.) Trust me: Having a bag ready can make a chaotic, terrifying moment a little more manageable.
Read also: Tornadoes, Floods, Wildfires, Intruders: 4 Ways Your Phone Can Help in an Emergency
What is a go bag, and why you definitely need one
A go bag (also called a bugout bag) is a backpack or small duffel packed with essentials that you, your family and your pets might need in the hours or days after a natural disaster forces you to leave home. Emergency officials, especially in hurricane- or fire-prone areas, urge every household to have at least one on standby.
Ideally, each family member has their own. That way, you're not lugging one massive bag or making heartbreaking choices about what stays behind.
Why you should pack a go bag now
Many disasters give us some forewarning, while others strike without mercy or notice. Even with a forecast, evacuation orders can come suddenly. You'll want to be ready to leave at a moment's notice if you live in areas that regularly face:
CNET Hurricanes or tropical storms
Flash floods
Mudslides
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Wildfires
Ice storms
Tsunamis
What to pack in your emergency go bag
Here's a checklist of items to include in your go bag:
Go bag essentials:
Water filter bottle
Flashlight (solar or crank-powered)
Nonperishable food (MREs or calorie-dense freeze-dried meals)
Personal hygiene items (soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, etc., in waterproof bags)
First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, meds)
Phone charger and portable power bank (for either iPhones or Androids)
Spare batteries
Work gloves
Medications and copies of prescriptions
Important documents (IDs, insurance, passports, birth certificates in a waterproof bag)
House and car keys
Map and compass (don't rely on GPS)
Cash (small bills and coins)
Go bag extras:
Paracord (strong, compact and versatile)
Carabiners (for attaching gear)
Whistle (to signal for help)
Fire-starting tools (lighter, waterproof matches)
Dust mask
Blanket (vacuum-sealed to save space)
Change of clothes and a poncho
Sunscreen
Family photo (for ID purposes, in waterproof bag)
USB drive with digital copies of family photos
Paper, pens and tape (for leaving messages)
Other key considerations in case of an emergency
Now that you know the vital items you should pack in an emergency, here are a few additional things to consider.
Skip the gallons of water and pack a water filter instead
Most emergency kits recommend storing three days' worth of water at home. But carrying that much water during an evacuation may not be realistic, especially if you're on foot.
Instead, pack a water purification bottle like the LifeStraw Go Bottle or the Grayl GeoPress. These filter bacteria and contaminants from ponds, ditches or even puddles, turning sketchy water into a drinkable backup source. Both bottles can clip to the outside of your bag to save room. Just be sure to read the instructions since many filters must be primed with clean water before use.
Opt for a solar flashlight
A power outage is almost guaranteed during a major storm. Instead of packing batteries that may run out or get soaked, opt for a solar or crank-powered flashlight, such as the ThorFire LED Flashlight. Bonus points if it doubles as an AM/FM radio for weather updates.
Don't forget your pets
In the chaos of an evacuation, it's easy to overlook your pets' needs, but they rely on you just as much as children do. Whether you're evacuating for a few hours or a few days, packing an emergency kit for your animals is essential for their health, comfort and safety.
Here's what to include in your pet's go bag:
At least three days of pet food (stored in airtight containers or zip bags)
Collapsible food and water bowls
Treats (they'll need comfort, too)
Pet ID tags with current phone numbers
Microchip info, in case your pet gets separated from you
Vaccination records and proof of ownership (these may be required at hotels)
A secure leash and harness
Crate or carrier labeled with your name and contact info
A blanket or small bed with a familiar scent
Toys or chews to ease anxiety during travel
Waste bags for dogs
Litter box and litter for cats (a small, disposable tray works well, too)
Medications and dosage instructions
Pet-safe wipes or a towel for quick cleanups
How to choose the right go bag
The best go bag is the one you can actually carry. Don't grab a giant duffel unless you're confident you can haul it long distances. A sturdy hiking backpack made from water-resistant canvas with padded shoulder straps and a chest strap is ideal. Look for one with lots of compartments and, if possible, a built-in water reservoir, also known as a hydration pack or CamelBak.
One great option we recommend is the Sandpiper of California bugout backpack, which is durable, roomy and designed for quick evacuation.
Additional resources
Climate change is making hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters stronger and more frequent. Preparation is no longer optional -- it's essential. Taking a few hours to assemble and safely store a go bag could save lives, reduce stress and make evacuation just a little bit easier.
While the devastation of these events can be harrowing, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones from a natural disaster. Here are some additional resources:
Hopefully, your go bag is something you'll never need. But if the day comes when you do, may it be ready, reliable and right where you need it.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Big Ten stadiums rankings: Which college football stadiums finished first?
From the Horseshoe through Beaver Stadium, jumbo-size Michigan Stadium, the Rose Bowl and three different Memorial Stadiums, Big Ten football venues rank among the most iconic in the Bowl Subdivision. But none are as uninviting as Ohio State's Ohio Stadium. For decades, the Horseshoe has hosted memorable national champions and helped maintain the Buckeyes' place among the sport's most dominant programs. There's the annual 'White Out' game at Penn State. Michigan's record-setting capacity. The beauty of Pasadena at dusk. The unforgettable atmospheres at schools such as Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and more. From top to bottom, it's hard to top the history and tradition found at these Big Ten venues. In terms of pure intimidation, though, there's a very clear group at the top (and bottom). Here's how USA TODAY Sports ranks Big Ten home fields from nastiest to kindest for visitors: 1. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State Trips to the Horseshoe are basically a guaranteed loss for teams in and out of the Big Ten, unless you're Michigan. (The Wolverines have taken two in a row at home in the series.) Since the stadium opened in 1922, Ohio State has been dominant at home, including a remarkable 55-3 record (94.9%) since 2016. The Buckeyes have turned the 'Shoe into maybe the most hostile locale in the sport. 2. Beaver Stadium, Penn State 'White Out' games are among the most unique home-field sights in college football: Nittany Lions faithful across the board dress up in white tops to provide visitors with an unsettling, eye-popping backdrop. Combined with the deafening roar provided by 100,000-plus fans, this makes Beaver Stadium one of the elite settings in the Bowl Subdivision. PART OF PLAN?: NCAA settlement for college sports already faces challenges PLAYOFF PROBLEM?: Why committee could be tested by two SEC teams 3. Autzen Stadium, Oregon Autzen became a house of horrors for opponents in the late 1990s before reaching a peak during the Chip Kelly era, when the Ducks rolled off a 21-game winning streak before an epic loss to Southern California in 2011. Oregon has lost just once at home since hiring Dan Lanning in 2022 and gone unbeaten the past two years. 4. Michigan Stadium, Michigan The largest venue by capacity in college sports? Check. But that's selling Michigan Stadium short: This is the largest stadium by total seating in the Western Hemisphere and the third-largest in the world. It may not be the loudest in the conference, but it might be the most iconic. 5. Husky Stadium, Washington There are few scenes in college football more aesthetically pleasing than a packed, rocking-and-rolling Husky Stadium with sailboats dotting Lake Washington – what locals call 'sailgating.' Historically, Husky Stadium has been seen as maybe the loudest spot in the FBS when things are going right for Washington. 6. Kinnick Stadium, Iowa In addition to goosing Iowa's Big Ten chances – the Hawkeyes are 22-6 at home since 2021 – Kinnick is home to the best new tradition in the sport: Since 2017, players and fans turn at the end of the first quarter and wave to the patients at Stead Family Children's Hospital. 'The Hawkeye Wave' is already an indelible part of the college football fabric. SPECIAL PLACE: Inside the unique Iowa wave tradition 7. Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin At the end of the third quarter, Wisconsin fans will 'Jump Around' to the 1992 House of Pain classic of the same name. The tradition started in 1998, took a very brief, highly controversial, one-game hiatus in 2003 and became a rallying cry during the Badgers' development into a Big Ten powerhouse under former coaches Barry Alvarez and Bret Bielema. 8. Memorial Stadium, Nebraska A decided lack of success at home in recent years dunks the Cornhuskers down this list. But when Nebraska is playing well, Memorial Stadium provides one of the best home-field advantages in college football. And even when the program is struggling, Memorial Stadium's deep wealth of history captures your attention and is sure to be sold out. 9. L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Southern California The Coliseum's art-deco-influenced design speaks to the venue's extensive history as the host not just for USC football but also multiple Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, NFL regular-season games and more. While it can be hit or miss, the Coliseum ratches up the intensity for opponents such as Notre Dame or rival UCLA. 10. Spartan Stadium, Michigan State Spartan Stadium hosted one of the defining matchups of the 20th century during the famous (or infamous) 10-10 tie against Notre Dame in 1966. More recently, Michigan Stadkum turned in a dominant run at home under former coach Mark Dantonio, though that edge has diminished this decade with the program's downturn. 11. Huntington Bank Stadium, Minnesota The newest stadium in the Big Ten (for now, as we'll see), Huntington Bank Stadium's capacity of just over 50,000 makes it one of the coziest venues in the conference. The open-air site will also turn frigid and occasionally snowy later in the year, though that doesn't stop locals from enjoying a Dilly Bar in the cold temps. 12. Memorial Stadium, Illinois After suffering a major dip in attendance during the woebegone days of the late 2010s, Illinois has reestablished a home-field advantage since Bielema was hired in 2021. The Illini averaged almost 55,000 fans per home game last year, the program's most since 2009. Illinois won six home games last season for the first time since 2001. 13. Ross-Ade Stadium, Purdue We won't penalize Purdue for incorrectly calling its oversize bass drum the 'World's Largest Drum.' (There's nothing wrong with a little hyperbole.) Ross-Ade has been inhospitable at times throughout its history: in the 1930s, the 1960s, the late 1970s and most recently during the Joe Tiller era (1997-2008). 14. Memorial Stadium, Indiana The home-field edge was alive in 2024, at least, when IU sold out its final four home games in Curt Cignetti's debut and drew a record single-season total of 386,992 fans. While not the case historically, the Hoosiers showed that Memorial Stadium can bring the noise when the team is competitive. 15. SECU Stadium, Maryland As a men's and women's lacrosse venue, SECU Stadium can be hard to beat. Football? There's a national title banner hanging inside (1953), and SECU (long known as Byrd Stadium) also hosted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip for an upset of North Carolina in 1957. But the stadium doesn't wobble the knees of Big Ten opponents. 16. SHI Stadium, Rutgers The environment can be intimidating, as Washington found out last September. Back in the program's Big East days, then-and-now coach Greg Schiano helped Rutgers turn SHI Stadium (then called Rutgers Stadium) into a surprisingly unfriendly host. That hasn't always been the case in the Big Ten, though. 17. Rose Bowl, UCLA There's the Rose Bowl game – one that has long defined college football's postseason – and there's the Rose Bowl itself, which shares an address with the bowl game but little of the pageantry and hoopla (or fans). UCLA's home stadium is at least 30 minutes or so from campus, longer depending on traffic, and while the crowd will show up for rivals such as USC there is little in the way of an obvious home-field advantage. 18. Ryan Field, Northwestern The Wildcats will play their games in 2025 at Northwestern's soccer and lacrosse stadium while extensive renovations are completed at Ryan Field. When done, Ryan will be a slightly cozier, much more 21st-century venue 'engineered to create a powerful homefield sound advantage at games,' the school said. We'll have to wait and see where it ranks when complete. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big Ten college football stadiums ranked from best to worst
Skift
an hour ago
- Skift
Travel Companies Spent Big in Q2 on Lobbying — Here's What They Want
Just about all the travel companies want lower taxes and they've got their own initiatives where they want to see more spending. From April through June, the tourism and travel industries grappled with several political challenges at once: President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff turbulence. Messy debates over the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' U.S. travel bans and declining tourism from abroad. In response, many of the nation's biggest airlines, hotels, travel service companies, and associated trade associations spent bigger-than-usual amounts to lobby Congress and the Trump administration, according to a Skift analysis of new federal lobbying disclosure documents filed Monday. This government influence spending, which includes money spent on both in-house and for-hire lobbyists in Washington, D.C., is designed to defend industry and corporate interests and advocate for favorable policies and legislation. Among the notable revelations: Where Spending Rose Trade Groups: The U.S. Travel Association reported a spike in its lobbying activity during the second quarter ($1.03 million) versus a year earlier ($900,00). It was also well beyond what it spent during the same period in 2021 during Joe Biden's first year as president ($840,000) and in 2017 during the first year of Trump's first term ($640,000). 'Lobbying expenditures during the first year of a new presidential administration or new Congress typically increase — along with legislative and regulatory action — compared to the previous year,' U.S. Travel Association spokesperson Spencer
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
We Just Updated Our New Orleans Dining Guide
Not long after moving to New Orleans to become restaurant critic at The Times-Picayune, a prominent local called me at the office — cellphones were still niche in those days — to inform me that he couldn't take my opinions about local dining seriously until I 'put down roots.' Twenty-five years later — nearly two decades of those spent in the job that brought me here — I feel qualified to make two declarations to anyone who finds themselves in New Orleans this summer: You will be hot, and you will have difficult decisions to make about where to eat. Our list of the 25 best restaurants in New Orleans, updated this week, can help with the second thing. You'll find classics of various generations, from Commander's Palace, Dooky Chase's and Tan Dinh to Compère Lapin, Dakar Nola and Pêche. The Kingsway and Saint Claire, which both opened last month, are too new to appear on the list. But they're worth looking out for, as they are offshoots of two of my favorite local restaurants: Saffron Nola, an Indian-New Orleans bistro, and Mosquito Supper Club, a Cajun seafood restaurant that feels like a dinner party. Here is a quick preview of the two new entries on our list: Coquette opened in the waning days of the second Bush administration. All these years later, I honestly still think about a dish from an early menu: tempura fried Gulf shrimp smeared with sambal, resting against juicy slices of grapefruit. I don't recall if that dish was served beyond 2008, but having eaten at Coquette for going on 17 years, I do know Michael Stoltzfus, the restaurant's chef and owner, hasn't stopped pushing himself to find harmony in uncommon pairings. Inside the 19th century brick-and-wood dining room, his intelligent, creative food still tastes like something new. 2800 Magazine Street, Garden District Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
