We’ve all heard the jokes mocking doomsday preppers for stocking their bunkers and spending all their free time preparing for the apocalypse. But with climate change rapidly putting people at risk of heat waves, hurricanes, and wildfires, “go bags” aren’t just looking like an over-the-top precaution for a prepared few anymore; they’re practically on-trend.
There are tons of pre-packed options available on the market today, stocked with essentials for any emergency from floods to zombie uprisings (no joke). However, since your crisis-survival needs are unique, you might want to give a DIY go bag a shot. After all, the last thing you want to do is grab random stuff on the fly and end up like Tom Hanks in “Cast Away” with only an ice skate to perform oral surgery and a volleyball for a friend.
Here’s a list of important basics to get you started:
Food and Water
You shouldn’t need much, ideally just enough to last you until you can reach a proper shelter. Be sure to regularly check expiration dates and replenish your supply.
Waterproof Map
You may not be able to rely on the internet or cell service during an emergency, so be sure to pack a map of your area, ideally one that’s waterproof. (You remember maps, right? They’re those things Indiana Jones flies over in the movies. Ask a friend with enough gray hairs to remember their parents wrestling with a 3-foot-wide road atlas on the way to the Grand Canyon.)
WAG Bags
WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) Bags are the safest way to dispose of biohazardous waste. Not only are they a crucial part of your kit for any bathroom emergencies on the go, they can also be used to dispose of blood or vomit. Simply seal and dispose of any biowaste in a WAG Bag® to keep yourself and others safe. This is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of a well-planned survival kit.
The Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Toilet Kit contains WAG Bag® bags, a sealable disposable bag, as well as both #4 items on our list of necessities.
Toilet Paper and Sanitizing Wipes
‘Nuff said there. We’ve all gotta wipe.Hand Sanitizer
In an emergency, you may not have access to running water. Hand sanitizer is a perfect substitute for before you eat or perform first aid, and after you use the bathroom. (And, you know, just because you’re trying to survive a natural disaster, it’s no excuse for bad manners.) First Aid Kit
Purchase a pre-made kit or assemble your own. Be sure to stock your kit with bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, non-prescription pain medicine, medical shears, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and anything else you might need if someone gets hurt. (If you make your own kit, you can absolutely give it some style – maybe Bedazzle it. Just know it could make it hard for people to take you seriously in a crisis.)A Change of Clothes
When the main priority is to get gone, it’s likely there won’t be time to pack new outfits. Make sure your bag contains clothes for every member of your family and includes underwear, socks, and a jacket, windbreaker, or poncho. (In the event of a zombie apocalypse, pack a “Wizard of Oz” t-shirt that says, “If I only had a brain…” You might throw ‘em off for a second.) Cash in Small Bills
Credit cards may not be useful in some emergencies and are useless if there’s no power. Stock up on singles and five-dollar bills in particular. Copies of Important Documents
Be sure to have copies of birth certificates, social security cards, necessary prescriptions, bank account info, and insurance policies. N95 or KN95 Masks
Unlike paper masks, these masks will protect your respiratory system from smoke and other airborne particles. (No guarantee here on blocking whatever turned folks into zombies, but at least you’ll know you tried.)
You May Also Want to Include:
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Portable Cellphone Charger (ideally solar)
- Waterproof Matches
- Extra Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses and Solution
- Emergency Radio (preferably hand-crank or solar)
- Pet Supplies (food, carrier, leash, meds)
- Duct Tape
- Zombie Repellent (coming soon to a Target near you)
All jokes aside, it’s smart to be prepared for any emergency, whether you find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster or an episode of “The Walking Dead.”
Cleanwaste is a leader in the innovation of safe, convenient products that allow users to manage waste in a dignified, reliable, and environmentally friendly way no matter what circumstances they’re facing. Our solutions are perfect for outdoor adventurers, soldiers, or anyone fleeing the undead.
To learn more about how Cleanwaste waste bags are providing safer, more sanitary solutions for all, check out our full product line.
