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How to Build an Evacuation Bag

71 items in 10 sections. One A4 page, printable.

Water bottle (1L minimum)Stainless steel or durable plastic. Doubles as a container for boiling.
Water filterPortable gravity or pump filter. LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, or equivalent.
Purification tabletsBackup to your filter. Iodine or chlorine dioxide tablets. Light and compact.
Collapsible water carrier (5 L)Weighs nothing empty. The bottle covers the walk, this covers the first day at the other end.

Energy bars (6+)High-calorie, compact, no preparation needed. Rotate every 12 months.
Freeze-dried meals (3+)Just add hot water. Lightweight and calorie-dense.
Trail mix or nutsQuick calories, good shelf life, no preparation.
Electrolyte packetsPrevents dehydration, especially in hot climates or during physical exertion.
Dried fruit and nutsCalorie dense, no cooking, no water. Rotate every six months.
Instant coffee or teaCosts nothing to carry and holds a routine together on the third bad day.

Emergency bivvy or space blanketReflects body heat. Weighs almost nothing. Can save your life in cold weather.
Lightweight tarpRain protection, ground cover, improvised shelter. Versatile and compact.
Paracord (50 ft minimum)Shelter construction, gear repair, clothesline, tourniquet in emergencies.
Warm layer (fleece or puffy jacket)Packable insulation. Choose based on your climate.
Rain ponchoKeeps you and your pack dry. Can double as a ground sheet.
Sleeping bag (season rated)A space blanket keeps you alive for a night. A bag lets you sleep, which is what the second week needs.
Sleeping mat (closed cell foam)Ground steals more heat than air does. Skipping the mat is the most common mistake in a packed bag.
Wool hat and glovesCheap, tiny, and the difference between cold and losing the use of your hands.

Lighter (2+)Primary fire source. BIC lighters are reliable and cheap. Pack two.
Waterproof matchesBackup fire source. Store in a waterproof container.
Headlampundefined
Batteries, spareundefined
Small flashlightBackup light source. LED for battery life.
Fire starter (ferro rod or tinder)Works when lighters fail. Pair with cotton balls and petroleum jelly.
Glow sticks or chemical lightNo batteries, no flame, no off switch. Useful for marking a room or a child.

Basic first aid kitBandages, antiseptic, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, antihistamines.
TourniquetStops life-threatening bleeding. Learn to use it before you need it.
Prescription medications (7 days)Whatever you take daily. Rotate regularly for freshness.
Moleskin and blister careYou will be walking. Blisters can be debilitating.
Insect repellent and sunscreenClimate-dependent but often critical.
FFP3 or N95 respirators (2+)Smoke, dust and building collapse. The mask you own is the only one available on the day.
Nitrile gloves (5 pairs)For treating someone who is not you.
Hand disinfectantWater for washing runs out long before water for drinking.

Multi-tool or knifeCutting, prying, screwing, can opening. A quality multi-tool covers many needs.
Duct tape (small roll)Wrap around a pencil to save space. Repairs almost anything temporarily.
Zip ties (assorted sizes)Lightweight fasteners for gear repair and improvised solutions.
WhistleSignal for rescue. Louder and more sustainable than shouting.
CompassNavigation when GPS and phone batteries die.
Local area map (printed)Know your evacuation routes. Digital maps require power.
Work glovesBroken glass and hot metal. The first thing anyone clearing debris wishes they had.
Sewing and repair kitA torn strap ends a walk. Needle, strong thread, safety pins, adhesive patches.

Toothbrush and toothpasteSmall tube. Oral hygiene prevents infections.
Wet wipesBody cleaning when water is limited. Multipurpose.
Hand sanitizerWhen soap and water are unavailable.
Trash bags (2-3 heavy duty)Rain protection, waste disposal, improvised poncho, gear waterproofing.
Toilet paper (compressed roll)Vacuum-sealed or compressed. You will want this.
Menstrual suppliesNot optional, not improvisable, and never stocked in an emergency shelter in useful quantity.
Bar of soapOutlasts every gel and works in cold water.
Quick-dry towelPacks to the size of a fist. Staying dry is warmth.

Power bank, chargedCheck it twice a year. A flat power bank is luggage.
Emergency radio (hand crank and battery)Crank as well as battery. Sirens and broadcast radio are still how an alert reaches you when the network is down.
Walkie-talkies (pair)The phone network fails first and is the last thing restored. Short range radio needs no infrastructure at all.
Spare batteriesIn the sizes your torch, radio and hearing aids actually take.
Charging cables for every deviceOne cable per device, kept in the bag and never borrowed from it.
Pen and waterproof notebookAddresses, registration numbers, names of officials, times. You will not remember any of it.

Seasonal clothingAdjust for your climate. Extra socks are always worth the weight.
Glasses or contacts (spare)If you depend on corrective lenses, pack a backup pair.
Baby supplies (if applicable)Diapers, formula, wipes, medication. Pack for 72 hours.
Pet supplies (if applicable)Food, leash, medication, carrier. Pets need evacuation plans too.
Self-defense toolSituational. Know your local laws and your own capabilities.
Spare underwear and socksDry socks outrank almost everything else in this list.
One personal itemA photograph or a keepsake. It weighs nothing and it is what makes a shelter bearable.
Spare house and car keysKept in the bag, not on the hook by the door you just left through.
Sturdy footwear, already broken inundefined
Printed family photoundefined

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