Healthy Children.org: How to Build a Disaster Emergency Kit or "Go Bag"

How to Build a Disaster Emergency Kit or "Go Bag" for Your Family





Disasters and emergencies often strike unexpectedly. You may not have much time to gather essentials for your family if you must evacuate quickly for a hurricane, flood or wildfire, for example.

Having an emergency kit ready to go in advance ensures you will have what you need and helps reduce stress and uncertainty during a crisis. Use these tips to help assemble one for your family.

Preparing your emergency kit: where to start
You can add items to your emergency kit over time. Start with the "should haves," and think about the "could haves" later.

Keep in mind that some children may need some special food, supplies and information. (See "10 disaster kit tips for parents of children and youth with special health care needs," below.)

Gather these "should have" items first:









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