Essential Items to Pack in a Hurricane Go-bag

Those living in Southeast Louisiana are quite familiar with monitoring storms during hurricane season, and, unfortunately, their potential devastation. When the threat of a hurricane requires emergency evacuation, it is crucial to establish a planned route and have a hurricane go-bag packed and ready for the entire family.

Learn More About an MPS in Emergency Management

This is What FEMA Suggest What to Pack For Hurricane Evacuation

• One gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, with a can opener if you are including canned food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle, to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for sheltering in place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation needs
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Other items to include, if there is space:

• Prescription medication, contact lenses, and prescription glasses
• Important documents in a waterproof container: birth certificates, identification, insurance information, bank account information, immunization records, and any documents you might need if you lose access to your phone and/or computer
• Cash (at least $500; recommend $1,500)
• Diapers and infant formula for babies
• Toys and games for older children
• Sleeping bag and/or warm blanket/Mylar emergency blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing for each person, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes
• Hats to keep head and neck protected from sun/rain
• Water purification tablets or household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. To use bleach as a disinfectant: Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach. To use bleach as an emergency water treatment, put 16 drops into each gallon of water.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches or a Bic lighter, in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, tampons or pads, soap, shampoo, etc.
• Mess kits, paper cups/plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Chargers for electronic devices, backup cell phone if owned, digital backup of photos and videos of personal property