Preparing a 'Go-Bag' in case of disaster

As natural catastrophes continue growing in number and severity, everyone should be prepared for quick evacuation in case of emergency. Even if you don't live in an area known for natural disasters, you should always be ready in case you have to make a sudden evacuation.

While there is only so much planning that can be done, one of the easiest things you can do is prepare a "go-bag" of emergency supplies to help keep you safe.

First, think about important family documents. Make sure this information is saved on a flash drive, or better yet, securely online with a service like Dropbox. Take photos of all the rooms and valuables in your home, and scan the following:

• Driver's license
• The deed to your house
• Your will and/or trust
• Proof of insurance
• Medical records
• Passports
• Social security cards
• Birth certificates
• A list of personal contacts, with addresses and phone numbers
• Your kids' immunization records
• Your pets' paperwork for vaccinations and medical history

Every member of your family should have a go-bag, which should be easy to carry like a duffle bag or a good-sized backpack. The Department of Homeland Security recommends you include the following items in your family go-bags:
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• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Hand-held water filter (you can get these at outdoors stores)
• Originals of essential documents like passports, birth certificates, wills, and driver licenses
• Cash, because sometimes when the power goes out, you cannot charge items during natural disasters
• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit
• Hygiene products like soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, feminine supplies, contact lens solution, and shampoo
• Medications
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Flashlight
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
• Batteries
• Whistle
• Phone chargers and portable external battery chargers
• Two changes of clothes
• Diapers, if necessary
• Pet supplies
• Portable battery-powered radio with extra batteries, to get news updates if cell towers and phone lines go down
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Basic tools (wrench, plyers, hammer, screwdrivers)
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps