In brief
With extreme weather events on the rise, having a well-prepared go bag can be vital for survival. Experts recommend essential items to include in a 72-hour emergency kit, ensuring you are ready for any crisis.
As extreme weather events become increasingly common across the United States, many individuals are turning their attention to preparedness. From Hurricane Helene's devastation in Asheville, North Carolina, to the recent fast-moving fires in Malibu, the need for readiness during such crises has never been more apparent. According to a report by YouGov, around 20 percent of Americans have experienced home evacuations due to severe weather, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures.One effective solution is assembling an extreme-weather go bag, a portable emergency kit that can be kept at home or in your car. Designed to contain essentials for at least 72 hours—as recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—a properly packed go bag can alleviate the stress of last-minute decisions and may even prove lifesaving. "If you don’t take the time to address these questions before a disaster strikes, you’ll be hard pressed to do so in the rush of a potential crisis,” stated Stephanie Fox from the American Red Cross.So, what should you pack in your 72-hour go bag? To help you prepare, we have curated a list of essential items based on recommendations from FEMA, the American Red Cross, and local emergency response teams. Additionally, insights from product review platforms like Wirecutter and user recommendations from Reddit were considered to ensure practical and affordable options—most of which are under $25.It’s advisable to include durable products that can remain stored for extended periods. However, experts suggest reviewing your emergency go bag at least once a year to check that items are still functional, charged, and not expired. Taking these precautions can make a significant difference when faced with the unpredictability of extreme weather.
