Emergency Go Bag vs. Emergency Kit: What’s the Difference?

When we evacuated from the Florida Keys in September 2017, we didn’t really think slowly-churning Hurricane Irma was going to make landfall near our house. Nonetheless, we packed up some valuables and enough food and water to last for a few days on the road.

The Category 4 storm did come ashore just a quarter mile from our house, then turned inland to flood our hotel. For days, the power was out in most of Florida. Service stations had no gas, the roads home were closed indefinitely, and we had nowhere to stay. We quickly learned the value of a good emergency kit and go bag.

Contrary to action movies, go bags and emergency kits aren’t reserved for preppers or fugitives. Rather, they’re essential tools for surviving real-life emergencies, like wildfires, floods and storms.

“You might not live in a traditionally disaster-prone area, but disasters can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone,” says Stephanie Fox, national media lead for the American Red Cross.

Here’s what to know about assembling and storing go bags and emergency kits.

What Is an Emergency Go Bag?

It’s a mobile disaster supply kit you take with you if you need to evacuate quickly or leave your home for any reason during an emergency.

“It should be easy to grab and stored in a dry, safe and clean area to avoid damage to any items over time,” says Amelia Johnson, deputy director of communications and external affairs for the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

If it’s not in your car, stash it somewhere that’s easily accessible. And make sure all family members know where it is.

Important items to have in an emergency go bag include:

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food;
• Water, one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation;
• Can opener;
• First-aid kit (also consider CPR/First Aid/AED training);
• Prescription medications, copies of prescriptions and important durable medical equipment;
• Copies of important documents like insurance papers, Social Security cards and birth certificates;
• Cash;
• Flashlights and/or battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries;
• Device chargers;
• Warm clothing like hats, gloves, jackets, blankets and hand warmers if you live in a cold climate;
• A brightly colored cloth, preferably red or orange, to hang on your antenna if you become stranded;
• Disease prevention supplies like N95 masks, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer;
• Any other essentials to fit your individual circumstances, like mosquito repellent or sunscreen.

Not on the official list, but here are some more handy items to include:

• Portable water filter or purifier;
• Portable power supply to recharge electronic devices;
• Camping stove and dish set, including extra fuel or propane canisters.

When putting together your go bag, imagine items you might need if you’re without electricity, gas, water or cell service. Also, if you have kids, pack items like toys, a deck of cards, coloring books and special blankets. “Creature comforts are important to help ease the discomfort and uneasiness of navigating an emergency,” says Fox.

Also, don’t forget your pets. They need food, water, prescriptions, a carrier, leash, toys and snacks, too.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also recommends keeping a kit at work that’s good for at least 24 hours and includes comfortable walking shoes.

What Is an Emergency Kit?

An emergency kit, or disaster supply kit or stay bin, contains many of the same items as a go bag. But it’s not meant to be mobile, so it can include more items.

The Red Cross recommends storing at least two weeks of food, water and other supplies in an emergency kit. Put it somewhere dry and clean, like a mudroom or inside the pantry.

In addition to the go bag list above, FEMA recommends emergency kits also include:

• A battery-powered or hand crank radio, and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert;
• A whistle to signal for help;
• Dust masks to filter contaminated air;
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place;
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation;
• A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities;
• Local maps.

“Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for older adults, people with disabilities and pets,” says a FEMA spokesperson.

FEMA also recommends assembling your items in airtight plastic bags and placing them in one or two easy-to-carry plastic bins or duffle bags.

For go bags and emergency kits, regularly check the expiration dates of food and other supplies and replace them as needed.

Other Emergency Preparedness Tips

Having a communications plan is another vital step to weathering emergencies safely. Decide now how you’ll reconnect with family members and loved ones if you’re separated once a disaster strikes.

One more thing. “Take the time before an emergency happens to check in on your neighbors, especially those who may be at a higher risk from infrastructure disruption, like seniors or those with access and functional needs,” says Fox.

“If needed, consider offering to help them put together their emergency kit and assess whether they will need transportation support in an evacuation.”

For more information, FEMA offers these links:

• Make a plan form;
• Build a kit;
• Emergency car kit;
• Get tech ready;
• Financial preparedness.

“Building your emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated,” says Fox. “In most cases, you’ll have some supplies readily available in your household right now.

“For things like non-perishable food, work within your budget and build up your supply over time. It may take several months to build an emergency kit that works best for your family, but the investment is worth it.”