Preparing a Go Bag

Disasters such as typhoons, floods and earthquakes can strike with little warning. When families must evacuate quickly, there may be no time to gather supplies. This is why disaster officials encourage every household to prepare a "go bag." A go bag is a sturdy backpack containing essentials for at least three days. It should include bottled water, ready-to-eat food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, a first-aid kit and any maintenance medicines. Copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and IDs, should be sealed in a waterproof plastic bag. Some cash in small bills is also useful, since ATMs may not work after a disaster. Each family member, including children, can have a smaller bag of their own. The bags should be kept in an easy-to-reach place near the door. Finally, the contents should be checked every few months to replace expired food and medicines.