5. Something to help you chillax and sleep

If you’re anxiously awaiting news about your home and sleeping on a friend’s floor (or worse yet — the floor of the high school gym), you’ll likely need something to help you relax.

Consider packing CBD gummies, sleeping pills, ear plugs, a portable sound machine, and/or a sleep mask.

4. Duct tape, ziplock bags, and extra bags

Ziplock bags are so useful. Use them to keep your stuff dry or to capture your kids’ panic vomit while you’re on the go.

Foldaway bags will come in handy if (when) you acquire new items. Plastic grocery bags are more prone to failure, but they pack away very nicely!

Duct tape has infinite uses, and can help you fix rips in your gear or keep mouths shut (jk).

3. Baby wipes and toiletries

We cannot stress enough the need to pack baby wipes! They are the MacGyver of Go Bag items — clean yourself, clean your surroundings, wipe the soot from your face.

Toiletries will help you feel like yourself when you need it most. Don’t forget soap, toothbrushes (and paste!), tweezers, nail clippers, and menstrual supplies! Splurge on the brand you like! You’ll want the comfort of something you know.

2. Plastic utensils and condiment packets

Emergency food is famously bland, and it’s even worse if you have to eat it with your hands.

Condiments like salt, pepper, soy sauce, hot sauce, and ketchup will make your survival meals tastier. Be sure to keep them in a ziplock bag so they don’t explode all over your extra clothes!

1. Fidget toys, games, and books

Evacuating usually means waiting for news. You could have a lot of time to kill, so make sure you pack something to keep you entertained.

Every reader should have a book. Playing cards give you endless options. Still have that Game Boy in a box somewhere? Pack that with extra batteries. Focus on items with high replay value! And be sure to pack crayons if you pack coloring books.

NON-NEGOTIABLE: Phone Charger & Printed Resources

Hopefully it’s on your radar, but make sure you have a phone charger and charged portable power bank (if possible). If you don’t have an extra charger, make sure to list one at the top of your Grab & Go Checklist.

Assume you’ll have a useless phone and zero access to power. Pack paper maps, and written contact information for key locations and family members. Our I Will Thrive Manual gives you a template to fill in and store in your Go Bag.