It is important to always be ready during disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes. However, we can never predict Go bags are used to keep the essentials in case disasters happen to save the family from running around to gather items when the disaster is already happening.
It should contain all the things needed to provide a family with their needs for a couple of days to survive. The contents of the go bags could mean the difference between life and death, depending on how bad the situation is.
Having prepared for the disaster makes a person also mentally prepared. Since September is the National Preparedness Month, let's look at what the contents of a go-bag should be and the guidelines needed to be followed, especially if a disaster might hit during this pandemic.
The Must-Haves
The Must-Haves
Disaster preparedness experts suggest that the contents of the go-bag should be those things found in the house. For some, they ought to buy a separate kit that is designed for one-stop shopping.
The FEMA website suggests that a go-bag should contain the following basic emergency supply kit:
- One gallon of water per person for at least three days (drinking and sanitation)
- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Hand-crack or battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Dust mask to filter contaminated air
- Whistle to use as a signal for help
- Cellphone with charger and a backup battery (power bank)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bag and plastic ties for sanitation
- Pliers or wrench
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Maps
They also listed additional emergency supplies, ways to maintaining the kit, and kit storage locations on their website.
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Check if the roads are clear
The importance of a map is much more highlighted during a disaster to navigate the area. That means it is important to have a map and know the exit routes to be safe.
Samantha Montano, an assistant professor of emergency management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, said that people should have plans on how to evacuate their homes and what type of transportation they would use.
At this time, it is essential to think early on as the pandemic may have mad the exit points and evacuation plans outdated.
Consider the COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic has ruined all the plans set by the world. May it be planning for a vacation, migration, celebrations, and even evacuation plans if ever a disaster would happen.
Experts suggest that an N95 mask with two-way ventilation is a must when preparing for a disaster this pandemic. It is important to have the right masks since those with valves do not filter the outflow and could lead the wearer vulnerable to COVID-19.
The CDC has revised its guidelines on what to prepare in an emergency bag. It should contain at least two cloth face coverings per person each day, mess kits, alcohol or hand sanitizer, PPEs (masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns), prescription eyeglasses, and infant formula.
This guideline is also similar to the checklist published by the American Red Cross.
Furthermore, Eric Alberts, corporate director of emergency preparedness for Orlando Health, said that families should rethink before deciding to go out. Due to the pandemic, authorities would only ask families to leave their houses only if they are no longer safe in there or in a mandatory evacuation zone in which they need to leave immediately.
The bottom line of this all is for people to be reminded that they should be prepared in times of a disaster, whether there is a pandemic or not.
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