Go-Bag Checklist
A grab-and-go bag for each person, based on PreparedBC, Red Cross and federal guidance, with what to change for kids and pets.
A go bag is a small kit each person can carry if you must leave quickly. Keep them where you can grab them, such as near the front door or under beds.
How long should it last? PreparedBC says a minimum of one day (24 hours). The Red Cross says at least 3 days of supplies you can carry. I pack for 3 days if weight allows.
Canada.ca suggests a backpack, duffle or wheeled suitcase, and splitting the load so each person can carry their own.
Refresh it at least twice a year, as PreparedBC suggests.
Add a bag for pets. Keep a small kit in the car too, because you may not be home when it is time to go.
Checklist
0 of 26 ticked
Water and food 0/3
Light and power 0/3
Health 0/4
Warmth and shelter 0/3
Documents and money 0/4
Hygiene 0/4
Signals 0/2
Kids and pets 0/3
Everything on this list is ticked. Check it again when you rotate your supplies.
Where to buy
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Flashlight, battery or hand-crank
Black Diamond: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
A AAA-powered dimmable headlamp that keeps both hands free and uses common batteries.
Battery or hand-crank radio, with NOAA Weather Radio
Midland: Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio
Runs from multiple power sources including a hand crank, and receives NOAA weather channels with alert.
Battery or hand-crank radio, with NOAA Weather Radio
Kaito: Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW Weather Alert Radio
Has solar, hand-crank and other power options plus a flashlight and reading lamp.
Phone power bank
Anker: Anker Power Bank, 20,000mAh, Built-In USB-C Cable
A 20,000 mAh pack holds several phone charges and has its own cable, so one less thing to find in the dark.
First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and gloves
First Aid Only: First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
A soft-sided kit with a broad mix of common supplies for home use; check contents and replace used items.
First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and gloves
Adventure Medical Kits: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
Sized by the maker for 2 people for 2 days and includes a guide book for when you can't get information online.
Waterproof pouch for document copies
SentrySafe: SentrySafe Fire and Water Resistant Portable Bag with Zipper, FBWLZ0SSC
A zippered bag sold as fire and water resistant, for keeping IDs, insurance papers and a paper medication list together.
Sources
- PreparedBC: Home Emergency Plan (PDF) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/preparedbc/preparedbc-guides/preparedbc_household_plan.pdf
- PreparedBC: Wildfire Preparedness Guide (PDF) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/preparedbc/preparedbc-guides/wildfire_preparedness_guide.pdf
- American Red Cross: Power Outage Safety Checklist (PDF) https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/power-outage/EN_Power-Outage-Safety-Checklist.pdf
- Ready.gov: Build a Kit https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Canada.ca: Emergency kits https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-kits.html
- Canada.ca: Emergency kit checklist https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-kits/get-kit.html
Updated November 9, 2026