Is your bug-out bag good to go?
A well-prepared 72-hour emergency bag (also called a bug-out bag or grab bag) should contain enough essential supplies to help one person survive independently for at least three days. Many governments across Europe, including the UK and EU member states, recommend keeping one on hand in case of severe weather, power outages, flooding, wildfires, or other emergencies that could mean you have to evacuate your home in a hurry.
How do you start?
This is a long list, and it can be quite daunting, especially if starting from scratch. A good starting point is a 30–45 litre backpack, which is ideal for most adults. It will provide enough room for three days' worth of supplies while remaining portable. Many items - like a change of clothes, toilet paper, bin bags and batteries - you'll probably have already.
For the rest, pick up one or two bits each payday or when you go shopping. Download our Emergency Go-Bag Checklist, stick it on the fridge and tick things off as you get them. It's tempting to go on Amazon and get everything all at once, but it's a significant outlay, so take your time working out the best options to suit you and your family.
For families, it's worth preparing a separate kit for each person who can carry one, while distributing heavier shared items (such as water filters, food, and shelter) between adults.
So what needs to go in it?
Water
Water is the highest priority. You need to allow for at least two litres per person per day (six litres for 72 hours), which is a lot of water to store or carry - especially if you are preparing for a whole family. A portable water purifier from LifeSaver will take up much less space and is easier to carry. The LifeSaver Cube holds 5 litres of water, so wouldn't need refilling too often or opt for the pocket-sized Wayfarer and take collapsible bottles to fill. Include a backup option such as purifier tablets or a Lifeline.
Food
Choose foods that are high in calories and protein, but require little or no preparation and no refrigeration. Aim for approximately 2000 calories per adult per day.
- Energy bars
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Crackers
- Canned food (with a ring pull opener)
- Freeze-dried meals (just add hot water)
- Electrolyte drink sachets
First Aid
If you already have a home first aid kit, you don't need to create a second one; just store it somewhere that's easy to get to if you're rushing out, and keep it all in a bag or box so you can add it to your go-bag quickly. It should include:
- Assorted plasters
- Sterile dressings
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Medical tape
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Pain relief medication
- Antihistamines
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Oral rehydration salts
- Any prescription medication (at least a week's supply if possible)
Lighting
One of the easier items to sort out!
- LED torch or head torch
- Spare batteries
- Rechargeable lantern
- Glow sticks (great for nightlights to soothe children)
Communications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Fully charged power bank
- Charging cables
- Solar charger (optional but useful)
Warmth & Shelter
This is what will take up the most space but can be tailored to the season and the country where you live.
- Emergency foil blanket
- Sleeping bag
- Lightweight tarp, bivvy bag or pop-up tent
- Poncho or waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Spare socks
- Change of clothes (if you're packing for young children, clothes will need updating regularly or they'll be too small)
Hygiene
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small towel
Tools
It's tempting to pack a lot here, and there are things like a compass and paper map which can be included, but only do so if you know how to use them.
- Multi-tool (Swiss Army knife or similar)
- Duct tape
- Paracord
- Lighter and waterproof matches
- Small roll of wire
- Whistle
- Rubbish bags
- Work gloves
Important Documents
You should keep copies of key documents in a waterproof wallet. If you can grab the originals easily, take them, but if you need to get out quickly, the copies will suffice:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Insurance details
- Emergency contacts
- Medical information
- Home and vehicle keys
- Some cash in small notes and coins
Personal Items
Depending on your circumstances:
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Baby supplies
- Pet food and lead
- Hearing aid batteries
- Menstrual products
- Spare phone
- Comfort item for children
Optional Extras
If you're stuck in a holding centre or a campsite somewhere waiting for the all clear, a few small extras will make it more manageable
- Playing cards
- Notebook & pen
- Small sewing kit
- Binoculars
- Work gloves
- Earplugs & sleep mask
- Favourite book
Don't Forget
Check your bag every 6–12 months and:
- Replace expired food and medication
- Recharge power banks
- Replace batteries if necessary
- Update clothing for the season
- Refresh important documents
Make sure, as a family, you all know what to do and where to go if you need to evacuate your home. Hopefully it will never happen, but being prepared for the worst will provide peace of mind.
