Because when you gotta go, you gotta go… or at least be ready.

Things are getting a bit wild out there, wouldn’t you say? This wildfire season has been… well, pushing this city girl to think differently would be a mild way to frame things. For some of our friends, colleagues and loved ones, bags had been packed and people were on standby. Some had to flee. Waiting for confirmation regarding your ability to remain in your home or community; or follow the heart-rending direction to evacuate… there are no words.

Fire. An angry beast.

But here’s some truth talk, friends: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the need to evacuate could come at any time. Yup. House fire, flooding, a violent/high-risk situation where you live, fire next door that is threatening your home, gas leak on your street… there are plenty of reasons that you might have to leave your nest in a hurry. And yes, life over limb, always and forever. But once you’ve saved your life and are secure, you’re going to wish you’d been organized with a few bits and pieces. And so, allow me to bring to your attention: The Go Bag.

What is a Go Bag?

Also known as a grab-and-go evacuation bag, a go bag is a bag that is packed and ready… to go. It contains key items that you’d need to make it through, if you had some sort of emergency and had to dash. Including cash. One always needs a little cash.

Side note – don’t you just love the name “go bag”. It sounds more encouraging than “grab-and-go evacuation bag”, wouldn’t you agree? As in: “Go, bag! You’ve got this! Make my life easier! You can do it!!” Or is that just me?

So here we have it: 5 important reasons to pack a go bag.

• You are (or are trying to be) a responsible individual who will be able to take care of you and yours in the case of an emergency.
• You or someone in your household requires medical support to regulate a body function and remain comfortable; or to keep yourself or them alive. Seems like something you wouldn’t want to be without.
• You are aware that water is the source of life, and that an immediate source of clean drinking water would come in very handy while you figure out what’s happening and what comes next.
• You know that effective communication is always important, and a cell phone only works for as long as the charge holds. Like water, a cell phone is also the source of life… better have a charger packed somewhere.
• You understand that you will need something that will allow you to better manage a situation that you may have no control over and where help may not be immediately available. A go bag is that something.

What to pack in a go bag for evacuation.

There are a range of recommendations on this topic. Let’s explore three below.

Great. Seems like a reasonable place to start.

Now, take a look at what the U.S. Department of State advises as part of crisis management for Foreign Service Evacuations.

Interesting. A bit more detailed, with plenty to consider.

And finally, a quick peek at what Spinal Cord Injury BC has to offer. Eye opening and thought-provoking, to be sure.

Clearly every situation is different, therefore I think it safe to say that you have to develop your go bag based on what’s relevant to you.

And I’m not sure that obsessing over making it perfect is the way to go. Perhaps the best approach is to just get started with the basics and then develop it further based on a little thought and research?

Where should I keep the go bag?

It’s recommended that we have a few of these bad boys: one at home, one in the car, and one where you work. Seems to make sense. And it surely couldn’t hurt.

But isn’t it going to be expensive?

Here’s the way I’m thinking about it. We pay for all kinds of insurance policies all the time, in the hopes that we won’t ever need to use them, but if we do…

This is just another type of insurance.

So go dig out some suitable bags from your storage area – shop the house! Or head to a thrift shop or two to see what can be found. Ask a friend if they have a bag to spare, or treat yourself to something that is exactly as you want it to be. For me, I think I want the one I keep at home to be water resistant if possible. Just for extra peace of mind and protection, you know? Nice to know that if I have to be out in the world with it, I won’t have to be precious with where I set it down.

Once you have a bag, start putting things in it that are relevant to your situation.

Rinse and repeat three times: home, work, vehicle. Done.

Where can you find more information on how to pack a go bag?

I’m just here trying to start the conversation for those who haven’t thought about it; and remind those of us who already know, but haven’t taken action (insert guilty gailyb face here). There’s a lot of great information available. Your city, province, state, Indigenous governance organizations, health organizations… all have information to share regarding packing a go bag for emergencies. But information will only take you so far. The next step is action!

Give it some thought – but not for too long – and get started!

Do you have a go bag packed? Let us know in the comments which key items you’ve included.