A To-Go Bag May Save Your Life

Residents of North Carolina have to be ready for all kinds of disasters––hurricanes, wildfires, floods––and their attendant woes, including prolonged power outages. You’ll want to pack a to-go bag before a disaster, not in the middle of one. Consider these items and add more for your own situation.

Food and water: At least one gallon of water per day per person. Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods, such as dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, protein bars. Remember utensils and a manual can opener for canned goods. And your pet’s food.

Personal items: Wipes, extra glasses and sunglasses, a N95 mask, toiletries, first-aid kit, work gloves, hat, emergency blanket, change of clothes, multi-tool or knife, whistle.

Medication and medical equipment: At least a five-day supply of prescriptions and OTC medications.

Electronics: Cellphones, chargers, flashlight and batteries, a hand-crank portable radio.

Paperwork: Family and emergency contact information. Make photocopies of important documents: List of medications, driver’s license, Social Security and Medicare cards, insurance papers, back and front of credit/debit cards, advance directives, etc. Put all docs in a sealable plastic bag.

Cash: Small bills and quarters, enough for at least a week. During power outages you may not be able to use credit and debit cards.

Entertainment: Playing cards, games, puzzles, paperback book, notebook, pencil/pen.

Put all these items in a couple of large tote bags, backpacks, or a suitcase. Keep them near your exit door or in the garage so you can grab them on your way out. And be sure to update them every three to six months.