What to pack in emergency ‘grab and go’ bags

A range of essential items to include in emergency evacuation bags. Photo / Auckland Emergency Management

By Isra’a Emhail of RNZ

When an earthquake, tsunami warning or flood strikes, you won’t have time to decide what to take.

National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) recommends a small bag for each person with essentials, such as sturdy walking shoes, warm clothes, raincoat and hat, water and snack food, hand sanitiser, portable phone charger, cash (small notes/coins), and copies of important documents and photo ID (printed or scanned to your phone).

Don’t forget any regular medications and special-diet items, first aid kit, mask/face covering, torch and battery/solar/wind-up radio (plus batteries) for outages. For people with disabilities, include items such as spare batteries for hearing aids or pen and paper for sign language users.

As for what kind of food and how much water, Ngāi Tahu iwi’s emergency guidance recommends three days’ worth of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food and a can opener plus two 500ml water bottles and purification tablets. These should be checked annually and replaced if expired.

An example of food rations employers might consider including is provided by Nema, but the agency also notes the type of work being done should be factored in. For example, physical labour versus office desk jobs.

Consumer NZ writer Amy McNabb recommends long-life food items that don’t require refrigeration so they can be placed in your bag ahead of time. The organisation also suggests adding thick gloves and hygiene supplies (tissues, wet wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste).

Wellington Region Emergency Management Office advises writing a list of evacuation actions in advance (turn off utilities and locking doors).

Some “nice to haves” may include entertainment (pack of cards, book, music player, and the like), glow sticks, matches, flash drive with photos of all the rooms and contents, small shovel, hi-vis vest, Swiss army knife, waste disposal bags, and a local map marked with destinations and contacts.

McNabb doesn’t recommend including sleeping bags or blankets in grab bags, unless they’re light enough to not add too much weight over a long walking distance.

“Emergency evacuation centres, such as community hubs, will usually have blankets for emergencies.”

If you’re away from home

In winter driving conditions, keep a brush, shovel, tyre chains, windscreen scraper, warm clothing, walking shoes, waterproof jacket, medicines, snacks, water, phone charger lead and a torch in the vehicle.

Schools and ECEs

Early childhood centres’ emergency plan may include supplies for keeping children warm/dry as well as age-appropriate supplies, such as infant formula, clean bottles, nappies, based on numbers and needs. But there is no set supplies list, according to the Ministry of Education.

Check your child’s school evacuation plan and whether you must provide a waterproof container of items or what their plans in an emergency are.

Workplaces

Nema says employers should hold three days’ supplies for everyone onsite (including visitors) and encourage staff to keep work grab bags in case they must walk home.

Plan for serious injuries – have blankets, stretchers and a full first aid kit until emergency services arrive.

Animals

Include pets and livestock in emergency planning – failing to plan for them puts lives at risk, Nema says.

RNZ, the statutory civil defence lifeline broadcaster, offers additional emergency guides, including phone-use tips, protecting sentimental items and managing medication.

- RNZ