18 Essentials To Pack In Your Go Bag

Stay prepared for the worst by stocking up and keeping one of these handy.

If the recent devastating hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods happening around the world have you feeling freaked out, here’s one way to feel better prepared in case of a natural disaster: keeping an emergency backpack.

Fill yours with supplies that will help you survive for at least three days, and keep it by the door for easy access. Here’s a list of essentials you should definitely include, as recommended by this Mexican nonprofit rescue brigade:

Cereal and chocolate bars.

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Or anything that's relatively nonperishable and can give you plenty of energy.

An extra change of clothes.

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Make sure to pack an extra layer or two for different kinds of weather.

A sleeping mat and a light blanket.

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Even a yoga mat will work!

Toilet paper, notebook and pen.

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If your phone battery runs out or you don't have signal, having pen and paper handy can save your life.

A copy of your keys.

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It's very important to make a copy of your home and car keys.

A lighter, candles, and battery-powered flashlight.

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Keep your flashlight with the batteries in it and, if possible, an extra set.

Plastic bags and latex gloves.

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The bags can have many uses, and the gloves can help you handle injuries, if necessary.

A small first-aid kit.

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A few basics you'll want: rubbing alcohol, scissors, gauze, cotton, bandages, band-aids, antacids and anti-diarrhea medicines. If someone in your family has an medical condition, you'll also want to include extra doses of their medication.

A battery-powered radio.

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In case you lose cell service, the radio is still a great to stay informed.

A whistle.

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If you become separated from your family or you get lost, a whistle can help them find you.

Packing tape.

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Tape can help repair a surprisingly range of things — it can even be used as a makeshift bandage if you run out of medicinal tape.

A water bottle.

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So, so important for staying hydrated and taking any medicine.

Bonus tip: Scan and print out a copy of your family's important documents, just in case!

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This post was translated from Spanish.