How to Prepare a Go Bag for Earthquakes, Typhoons, and Floods
In the Philippines, natural disasters like current earthquakes, typhoons, and floods can strike anytime, often without warning. That’s why being prepared isn’t just a good idea and it’s a must. Having a well-packed go bag can make all the difference during an emergency, whether you’re staying at home or evacuating to a safer place.
A go bag (or emergency bag) holds your basic survival needs for at least 72 hours. Think of it as your family’s lifeline when disaster hits. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to include, why it matters, and how to make sure your go bag is always ready no matter what happens next.
Why Every Filipino Family Needs a Go Bag
If you’ve ever experienced a power outage during a typhoon or had to evacuate because of flooding, you know how stressful it can be. Having an emergency bag ready means you don’t have to scramble for essentials when time is running out.
A go bag gives you peace of mind. It ensures that you have clean water, food, first aid supplies, and important documents all in one place. For families with kids, elderly members, or pets, this kind of preparedness can literally save lives.
Disasters may be unpredictable, but being ready isn’t. With earthquakes and storms becoming more frequent, it’s better to prepare today than regret tomorrow.
What to Pack in Your Go Bag: Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget
When packing your go bag, aim for balance: keep it light enough to carry but complete enough to sustain you for a few days. Here’s a checklist of the most important items:
1. Food and Water
- Bottled water (at least 3 liters per person)
- Ready-to-eat food like canned goods, biscuits, or energy bars
- Can opener and utensils
2. Safety and Protection
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Whistle (for calling attention during rescue)
- Face masks, alcohol, and basic hygiene items
3. Health and First Aid
- First aid kit with medicines for fever, pain, and wounds
- Personal medication with prescriptions
- Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and cotton
4. Communication and Power
- Fully charged power bank
- Extra cellphone with load or prepaid SIM
- Battery-powered or crank radio
5. Important Documents
- Photocopies of IDs, birth certificates, and medical records
- Emergency contact list
- Small amount of cash in waterproof pouch
6. Clothes and Comfort Items
- Extra clothes, underwear, and socks
- Blanket or jacket
- Small towel and toiletries
Tip: Recheck your go bag every six months. Replace expired food, old batteries, or worn-out items. If you have babies, seniors, or pets, include their specific needs too.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Family Safe During Disasters
Keep calm and act quickly. Panic can make situations worse. Remember, preparedness brings confidence.
Stay informed. Always monitor weather updates and advisories from PAGASA or NDRRMC.
Create a family emergency plan. Assign meeting points and contacts in case you get separated.
Be ready for anything whether it’s an earthquake, typhoon, or flood. Start building your go bag today and encourage your family to do the same.
For more smart and practical safety guides, check out other helpful articles on lifeguide.ph to stay informed and prepared for any situation.
