The Hurricane Grab-And-Go Bag Explained

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – When we think of hurricane preparedness, we often think of shutters, hurricane proof windows, battery operated radios, and making sure our kitchen cabinets are stocked with enough water and non-perishable foods to last the storm and a few days afterwards. 

But now, some are recommending that hurricane preparation includes putting together grab-and-go bags for your household. 

It’s hurricane season and by now, you’ve hopefully started preparing your home’s hurricane kit, if you haven’t already completed it. 

But what happens if things take a sudden turn for the worse and you have to evacuate your location, mid-storm?

In a region where storms are growing stronger and more frequent, a new recommendation is to prepare for the worst by preparing a grab-and-go bag.

But what is a go-bag? It’s a small emergency kit, light enough that it’s easy to carry, in case you need to leave immediately. 

A major difference between your go-bag and your usual seasonal emergency kit for hurricanes, is that each member of your household should have their own bag.

Typical recommendations for these bags include:

Packing ready-to-eat food and water

A phone charger, battery bank, and extra batteries

A hand-crank radio 

Personal medications and a small first aid kit

Copies of your important documents, like, passports, drivers licences and insurance papers

A copy of your emergency plan, including a local map with your family meeting place identified

Some cash in smaller bills

Personal toiletries, as well as an extra pair of glasses if you need them

A change of clothing, as well as a small blanket

A whistle

A pen and notepad

And here in The Bahamas, it’s probably also wise to pack some sunblock.

Everyone in the home should know where the go-bags are kept, and they should be easily accessible, because if the time comes when you need them, you will likely have very short notice to flee.