Grab and Go Kit (or 72-hr kit)

Situations when a Grab and Go kit would be needed
•    A tornado warning – grab and go on your way to the basement safe room, or store in your safe room
•    Flood – grab and go on your way to safe and dry ground
•    Evacuation – grab and go
•    Day trip – grab and go – you have all the necessities with you (which will save you time and money).
•    As you see on TV or read about disaster/emergency situations imagine that it was happening to you.  Would you be prepared?

Creating a Grab and Go Kit
•    Your Grab and Go kit should be easy to carry
•    Each person in your family should have their own (within reason)
•    Make your kit your own.  The following check list is just a suggestion to use as a guide, not a hard and fast rule.
•    Think Good, Better, Best
•    Assume that if you have to evacuate, everything will be gone when you get back.


Emergency Binder (Important Documents)
•    Birth certificates
•    Passports
•    Social security cards
•    Copies of your credit cards, front and back
•    Homeowners insurance policy
•    Auto insurance policy
•    Life insurance policy
•    Bank statements
•    Retirement statements
•    Internet passwords
•    Immunization records
•    Utility statements
•    Work/tax documents that would be difficult to replace
•    CASH – keep a variety of small bills on hand

Emergency Contact Information
•    Each person should have all emergency contact information in their Grab and Go bags.

GRAB AND GO KIT Check List

(72 Hour Kit)

•    At least 3 days supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
•    At least 3 days supply of food
•    First aid kit
•    Change of clothes, warm socks, and sturdy shoes (change this seasonally)
•    Battery powered radio and extra batteries (Batteries should be stored separately or backwards to prevent corrosion)
•    Blankets or sleeping bags
•    Rain poncho
•    Hand warmers
•    Flashlight with batteries
•    Glow sticks (for light and/or signaling)
•    Wind/waterproof matches and a candle (or other waterproof fire starting device)
•    Personal hygiene products (soap, tooth care, toilet paper)
•    Whistle
•    Knife
•    Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
•    Leather gloves (work gloves) and hat (seasonal item)
•    Water purification method
•    Small cook stove and fuel
•    Mess kit and hand operated can opener
•    Map and Compass
•    Form of Shelter (tent, tarp, etc.) and at least 15’ of cord
•    2 – 30 gallon garbage bags
•    Safety pins and sewing kit
•    Pens and notebook
•    Duct tape
•    Games, books, hard candy, toys (some form of entertainment, you may be in an otherwise boring situation for some time)
•    Money in small bills and coins ($50 - $100 +) (Are you going to be staying in a hotel?  What might you need money for?  Will anyone be accepting credit cards?)
•    Emergency Binder
Consider your own unique needs and the needs of your family.  Do you need to include:
•    Prescription medications (rotate periodically to avoid expiration)
•    Extra pair of glasses
•    A special kit for baby


Baby's Grab and Go Kit
o    Diapers (disposable for 3-5 days and a couple of cloth for extended emergencies)
o    Wipes
o    Lotion and diaper rash ointment
o    Garbage bags for soiled diapers
o    Blanket and clothing
o    Formula (even if baby is breastfed, what if Mom is not there?)
o    Bottles
o    Food and juices
o    Spoons
o    Medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.)
o    Toys
o    Baby carrier (If you have to walk)