Ca Care Association in partnership with Listos California recently had a GO BAG preparedness workshop in Carson Community Center last January 12, 2024. This training is aimed at teaching the community about emergency preparedness by educating them about the importance of a go bag and how to ready their own. The event was led by Nadia Wiggins from Listos California who shared professional insights about go bags and the essentials needs of everyone in case of emergencies. 

What is a GO BAG?

A GO BAG, often referred to as an emergency bag or survival kit, is a portable, well-stocked collection of items essential for survival in emergencies such as floods, power outages, earthquakes, and many more. The primary purpose of a GO BAG is to provide immediate access to necessities that one might need in an emergency, especially when there is no time to gather items from around the home. Nadia Wiggins shared that go bags should be placed in easily accessible areas such as the fire door, under the bed, car, etc...

Having a GO BAG ready means being prepared for the unexpected, reducing panic and confusion during high-stress situations. These bags are not just for individuals or households; they are also recommended for workplaces, schools, and vehicles Go bags are essential for everyone especially those living in areas that are prone to disasters. By having a go bag, individuals and families can ensure survival and comfort during emergencies. 

What Should be Included in a GO BAG?

Individuals should customize their go bag according to their needs and not according to the different types of emergencies. A senior individual could have different items in their go bag specific to their needs compared to children. Nevertheless, some items are a necessity for everyone. 

Nadia Wiggins shared all of the items she has in her go bag including:

1. Listos California Disaster Ready Guide: click here to download 

2. Water bottle with filtration straw

3. Filtration straw to use for other bottles

4. Prepackaged water (take note of the expiration dates)

5. Hard, reusable containers 

6. Aqua tabs to purify the water with an instruction sheet

7. Collapsable cooking stove

8. One day’s worth of food

9.  Flashlights

10. Headlight

11. Small portable radio 

12. First aid kit

• Wipes

• Bandage wraps

• Antiseptic wipes

• Mini first aid booklet

• Triangle bandage

• Gloves

13. Ice pack

14. Face mask

15. Rain poncho 

16. Small blanket

17. Hand warmers

18. Trashbag

19. Cardboard (for bandaging to hold body parts in place)

20. Lightstick

21. Vest and helmet (hard hat)

22. Sturdy gloves

23. Goggles

24. Small picnic blanket

25. Portable charger (solar-powered)

26. Hygiene kit

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Tissue

• Feminine hygiene product

• Towel

• Cleaning gloves

• Soap

27. Safety whistle 

28. Waterproof matches

29. Oil pen

30. Swiss army knife 

31. Tape measure

32. Refrigerator food safety guide

33. Important Documents 

• Disaster Ready Card

•  Map of location

• Photos of loved ones

• Emergency phone numbers 

• Emergency personnel numbers

• Number of local sheriff’s office

• 911, 211, 311

• Number of doctors

• Out-of-state contact

• Out-of-country contact

• Insurance 

38. Medication 

39. Cash

Now you don't need to have all of these but it's better if you do. You can start with the basics and then continue to pack items little by little until you have a go bag that contains all of your needs.

A basic GO BAG should contain essential items to help you survive and stay comfortable during the initial hours or days of an emergency. Here's a list of such essentials:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

• Non-perishable Food: A three-day supply of ready-to-eat, high-energy foods like canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits.

• First Aid Kit: Including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

• Flashlight and Extra Batteries: A reliable light source is crucial in power outages.

• Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: To stay updated on emergency instructions and news.

• Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife: For various practical needs, from opening cans to making minor repairs.

• Personal Hygiene Items: Such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, and wet wipes.

• Clothing and Bedding: A change of clothes for each family member and a sleeping bag or warm blanket per person.

• Important Documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records, and emergency contact numbers in a waterproof container.

• Cash: In case ATMs are not operational or accessible.

• Mobile Phone with Chargers: Include a backup battery or a solar charger.

• Emergency Contact Information: List of family contacts and local emergency numbers.

• Maps of the Area: In case GPS on electronic devices is unavailable.

• Whistle: To signal for help.

You can use the Listos California GO BAG guide to help you start yours. 

Access it here

Keeping Your Go Bag Up-to-Date

Go Bags should always be kept current and up-to-date to ensure its effectiveness in an emergency. Here are some tips to maintain your go bag:

• Regularly Check Expiration Dates: Periodically review all items, especially food, water, and medication, for expiration dates. Replace any items that are nearing the end of their shelf life.

• Seasonal Adjustments: Update your GO BAG with seasonal clothing and bedding to ensure comfort and protection from the weather, whether it’s extra blankets for winter or lightweight clothing for summer.

• Evaluate Family Needs: As your family grows or changes, so do your needs. Regularly assess and update your GO BAG to include items for new family members, including children or pets, and remove items that are no longer necessary.

• Update Documents: Keep copies of important documents in your GO BAG and ensure they are current. This includes personal identification, medical records, and emergency contact information.

• Battery Checks: Regularly check and replace batteries in flashlights, radios, and other battery-operated items to ensure they are functional when needed.

Conclusion 

Ca Care’s go bag workshop with Listos California is a valuable workshop that emphasizes the significance of emergency preparedness. Go bags should always be customized according to the needs of the individual rather than the specific emergency. Always remember to regularly update its contents, and ensure its accessible in an emergency. Start with the essentials like food, water, a first aid kit, and important documents, then build from there. Remember, the right preparation today can be a lifesaver tomorrow. Stay prepared and stay safe!

Visit Listos California for more resources regarding emergency preparedness. 

https://www.listoscalifornia.org/disaster-readiness/ 

Click down below to become a member of Ca Care Association and gain easy access to workshops like this. 

https://www.cacareassociation.org/memberships