Emergency Go-Bag

During an emergency, it is important to know that your critical supplies and important documents are all in one place. The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response recommends that every Tulane student, faculty member, and staff member has a go-bag or emergency kit prepared with emergency supplies.

When preparing your emergency go-bag, be sure to keep in mind the 3 main categories of supplies:

1. Essential
2. Personal
3. Other considerations

These three categories of supplies will help you create your own, comprehensive emergency go-bag.

The essential category refers to basic items and supplies that are critical to life-safety in the event of an emergency, including:

• Packaged water—One gallon of water per person per day
• Food—Non-perishable food and snacks
• Flashlight with extra batteries—Store batteries outside of flashlight to keep at full power
• First aid kit:
  
  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Various sized bandages, gauze rolls, and gauze pads
  • Medical tape
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Hydrocortisone ointment
  • Antiseptic and alcohol wipes
  • Disposable gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
• Multi-tool and can opener
• Emergency blanket
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Cell phone with charger

The personal category refers to other items and supplies that are specific to one’s own health, hygiene, and records:

• Prescription medications
• Toiletries
  
  • Toothbrush with toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Contact lens case & solution
  • Other personal hygiene items
• Identification & important documentation stored in waterproof container or bag
  
  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Social Security cards
  • Birth certificate
  • Insurance information
  • Bank account information
  • Index card with important contact information

Other considerations and items you may want to include:

• Infant supplies
  
  • Formula & food
  • Bottles
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Rash cream
  • Necessary infant medications
• Zip-Loc bags to store various items and supplies
• Duct tape
• Cash—Keep in mind that in the event of a power outage, you will not be able to use your credit or debit cards
• Portable power bank
• Writing utensils and notepad
• Leisure items like books, magazines, or MP3 player.
• Pet supplies
  
  • Food
  • Water
  • Necessary pet medications
  • ID collar
  • Leash
  • Adoption papers
  • Sanitation papers
  • Carrier

For more information on emergency preparedness with pets, please consult:

• https://ready.nola.gov/plan/pet-owners/
• https://www.louisianaspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for a more comprehensive list of supplies for kits in your home, car, and workplace.