Pack a Go Bag in Case of Emergency During Hurricane Season

HOUSTON (KIAH) – If Houston city officials called you to evacuate, would you be ready? In an emergency or when you have to act quickly, you can sometimes forget things. That’s why you should have a Go-Bag ready to answer the call.

A Go-Bag contains the items needed to quickly evacuate your home. To assemble your travel bag, store items in airtight plastic bags and place your entire disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Go-Bags should be easily transportable like a backpack or rolling suitcase. Store it in a place where you can easily access it.

Recommended items to consider in your Go-Bag:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Extra set of car and house keys
• External cell phone battery or solar charger. (Some hand crank flashlights also include a phone charger)
• Bottled water and snacks such as energy bars or granola bars
• First aid supplies, flashlight and whistle
• Battery-operated or hand-cranked radio (with additional batteries, if necessary)
• A 14-day supply of all necessary medications for each member of your family
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, wet cleansing wipes, tampons and sanitary napkins
• Stuffed animal toys, coloring books for children. If you’re including a portable video game, bring extra batteries or charging supplies.
• A waterproof document pouch to hold identification documents such as passports, birth certificates, etc.
• A list of medications for each member of your family
• Contact and meeting information for your family
• A map of the area