Grab Bags, Emergency Kits: What Are They?

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Nowadays, natural disasters and other emergencies have become commonplace. As a result, having an emergency kit or grab bag that contains some basic essentials that we can grab in a hurry is a good precaution to take.

Some items to include in a grab bag or emergency kit - guide only

Many countries suggest having an emergency kit ready, such as the US, the UK, Japan and Finland to name some.

If an earthquake, wildfire, flood or some other catastrophic event occurs, there is usually very little time to grab something quickly. Often, if the authorities order an evacuation, one may have five or ten minutes or less to leave.

Or, you may need to shelter in place for a few days. Electricity and water outages may occur.

It is for these type of emergencies that an emergency kit can prove invaluable. So, what should go in the bag?

There are various suggestions on both the UK and US government sites as to what to put in. Here are a few items taken from their suggestions.

Emergency supplies

Food. You will want to pack at least three days worth of non-perishable foods. Canned goods, packet soups, protein bars and other food items that have a long shelf life. Pack enough to last three to five days.

Water. Enough bottled water for drinking to last three days. The guideline on the US government site suggests one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. If you needed to leave in a hurry on foot, this might be heavy to carry, and so you could consider having just what you would need for drinking water.

Battery-powered radio.

Extra batteries.

Torch. Although your mobile phone no doubt has a built-in one, it will only work for as long as your phone battery is on. A regular torch is a safer bet if there is no electricity to charge your phone.

First aid kit. Travel first aid kits are handy for this and widely available.

Whistle. A whistle will be useful if you need to signal for help.

Can opener.

Wrench or pliers.

Charger and power bank for your phone.

Mask.

Map of the local city and area. Why? This will be extremely useful if your phone battery dies and you are navigating the city on foot in a disaster.

Toilet paper.

Additional Emergency Supplies

Any prescription medicine you might be taking.

Soap or hand sanitizer.

Non-prescription medication, such as painkillers and anti-diarrhoea medicine.

If you have a baby, you will want to include infant formula and nappies.

For pets, pet food and extra water for your pet.

Cash.

Copy of ID cards, passports, bank account details and other important family documentation should be stored electrophonically in a waterproof container.

Disposable plates, knives and forks.

Feminine hygiene products.

Fire extinguisher and matches in a waterproof container.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, as well as a change of clothes and sturdy shoes.

If you have children, be sure to include a book or puzzle. During a disaster, having something familiar to keep them occupied when the immediate danger is over will give a sense of comfort.

This list can be quite long and there is no need to get everything all at once. Start with one item and slowly build your kit or grab bag.

Do check out the suggestions on your local government site to see what they recommend you include.

Of course, there may not be an emergency for months or years (hopefully never), but if there is, then you will have peace of mind knowing that you don’t need to rush around the house looking for what to take. It will all be in your bag, ready to go with you.

Did you know? In Japan, some people keep two emergency kits. One at work and one at home. Likely, each kit doesn’t have exactly the same items, though.

Final note. Keep the emergency kit in a place that is close to the front door, such as a closet nearby. Or on a shelf in the living room where you can easily grab it in a hurry.

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Discussion

Some people feel it is pointless or scary to prepare for an emergency. What are your thoughts?

If you had to leave on foot and felt the bag was too heavy, what might you leave behind?

While it is usual in Japan to have two kits for some people, do you think it is necessary to have one at home and at work?

What facilities do you think should be in place for people locally for emergencies?

What should children be taught about safety and at what age?