GO BAG SURVIVAL KIT: What to bring after an earthquake attack

THE East and West Valley Fault earthquake is predicted to hit the metro within the next 43 years. It might be earlier or later than anticipated, but it's still best to keep your survival stuff ready if and when it does strike.

When deciding on what to pack in your GO BAG SURVIVAL KIT, you need to decide what you need the most in order to keep you alive for the next few days. Your needs may be different than ours so please note that you are free to make upgrades (or downgrades) on the GO BAG essentials listed below.


GO BAG ESSENTIALS - The Top 12 survival checklist:

1. Bag. Use a bag that is at least water repellant, if not waterproof.  If it isn’t waterproof, pack your items in waterproof bags.  A key lesson of life in nature is to keep things waterproofed.

2. Light. A rechargeable flashlight, a small LED type lamps or a headlamp, depending on what you need. You can also have a red lens cover or red option for a flashlight so you can use it at night and not give out a large signature.  Candles are also an option and they have the added benefit of allowing you to start a fire.

3. Water. The human body is made up of 60% water, thus a very essential item to keep you alive. If possible, you may also have some type of water filtration device to keep your water purified.

4. Fire. The stone age people made a giant leap in technology when they discovered fire. Have plastic lighters and matches.  If matches, make sure they are storm-proof and carried in a waterproof container.  You need fire for a lot of reasons aside from cooking and warming you up.

5. Shelter. If you don't have a portable tent, a raincoat or a poncho will suffice to keep the water and wind off you. Also bring a sack material to sleep on. It's light, easy to fold and does not use a lot of space in your bag.

6. First Aid. You can buy complete kits or you can pack you own. A medical mask is recommended in case of a contagion.

7. Food. Easy-open canned goods, high-protein snacks and a set of kitchen utensils.

8. Clothing. Must be made up of light but durable materials. Bring socks, underwear and scarfs.

9. Tools. Consider some or all of these items: a knife (or army Swiss knife, if possible), a length of rope, signal mirror, whistle (for calling for help), gloves, binoculars (if possible), sewing kits, pen & paper, insect repellant, toiletries, and a roll of electrical tape.

10. Ziplock bags. For your important documents, passport, ID cards and cash.

11. Communications. You will want to keep up on the most current information available. Since cell service and Internet is easily knocked out, you should get a portable radio that has short wave receiving capabilities.

12. Weapons and firearms. It's always best to have something for self-defense. If you're not comfortable bringing a firearm with you, you may also consider a knife, a cross staff or something in your hand to protect you when the need so arises.

NOTE: Pack your bag backwards, with the least important going in first. What you might need right away is last in, or in outside pockets to make it easier for you to reach.

A go-bag is your personal bag containing things that you think you need for survival. Every person thinks differently so they might prioritize things differently. Many items can be added (or dropped) from our Top 12 essentials and the choice is still up to you.


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