Planning for severe weather? Here's what to pack in your go-bag

• A go-bag contains essential supplies for emergencies like severe weather, power outages, or regional unrest.
• Recommended items include a first aid kit, chargers, food, water, medications, and a flashlight.
• The U.S. Department of State advises preparing a 72-hour kit to sustain individuals and families for at least three days.

When you're in the thick of a crisis, every minute counts—which is why having a bag of pre-packed essentials can be so vital to ensuring your family's safety. Whether it's severe weather like the monster winter snowstorm that hit the Northeast this weekend, a power outage or regional unrest due to a larger conflict, emergencies can strike when you least expect them; but having a prepared go-bag can help you navigate any crisis with a little more confidence and support.

A go-bag or "grab-and-go bag" is exactly what it sounds like: A designated bundle or pack that's filled with just enough emergency essentials to sustain you (and your family) in the event of catastrophe or displacement.

From a First Aid kit to a portable power bank and nonperishable food items, your go-bag essentials might vary depending on your family size and needs—especially if you have toddlers, kiddos or pets.

What to pack: Emergency go-bag essentials

Below, we curated a general go-bag checklist that'll help you pack the main essentials and stay prepared in case of an emergency—especially if you're on winter storm watch for this weekend:

A First Aid kit

First Aid All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit

Have bandages, wrappings and other medical supplies at the ready with this portable First Aid kit. Buy at Amazon

Alvada Merino Wool Socks

Alvada Merino Wool Socks

Stay warm in even the briskest winter storm temperatures with these merino wool socks. Shop at Amazon

Chargers and power banks

FosPower Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank

Keep your devices charged and powered at all times with this multifunctional power bank, which also doubles as a weather radio and flashlight. Buy at Amazon

Stay powered up: Save up to 83% on portable chargers, power banks from Amazon 🔋

Dreo Space Heater

DREO Space Heater

On winter storm watch? Keep every corner of your home warm and cozy with this top-rated space heater from Amazon. Shop at Amazon

Nonperishable food

Readywise Emergency Food Supply Bucket

This top-rated food bucket is equipped with 120 servings of nonperishable meals. Buy at Amazon

A water filter and water tablets for clean drinking water

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The best-selling LifeStraw Personal Water Filter makes any water clean to drink. Buy at Amazon

Aquatabs 397mg Water Purification Tablets

With these handy tablets, you can purify your water and ensure it's of the highest quality, no matter where you are. Buy at Amazon

Disinfectant wipes

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Keep germs at bay with the help of these packable disinfectant wipes. Buy at Amazon

Medications

Travel RX Medicine Kit

Combat nausea, allergies and any other ailments with the help of this medicine kit, which include Ibuprofen and Antacid. Buy at Amazon

A flashlight

GearLight LED Flashlights

Caught in a power outage? These compact flashlights will help you see through the darkness, whether you're at home or outdoors. Buy at Amazon

A portable power station

Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 2025 New

This new Bluetti solar generator is strong enough to help power your RV, camping gear or home in case of a power outage. Buy at Amazon

A reusable water bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Stay hydrated while you're on the go with this insulated Owala water bottle that's sure to keep liquids cold. Buy at Amazon

Communication tools

Topsung M880 Walkie Talkies

If your cell phone battery is running low or signal is sparce, these walkie talkies will come in handy and help your party stay connected. Buy at Amazon

Emergency Whistles

If you get displaced due to an emergency, you can still make sure people know where you are with these lanyard whistles—perfect for kiddos. Buy at Amazon

Pet supplies

Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack

Keep your hands free and available to carry other essentials with this genius pet backpack that's secure, enclosed and sure to keep your pets feeling safe—even in times of crisis. Buy at Amazon

Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

When it comes to preparing for an emergency, don't forget to pack safety essentials for your furry friend, too! This First Aid Kit is a handy buy that's equipped with everything they'll need. Buy at Amazon

Miscellaneous emergency essentials

Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket

Extinguish small fires quickly and effectively with the help of this best-selling fire blanket—available at Amazon. Buy at Amazon

Everlit Survival First Aid Kit

Get the Everlit Survival First Aid Kit at Amazon so you're always ready. Buy at Amazon

Engpow 5200℉ Fireproof File Organizer Bag

Keep all of your most important documents safe and organized with this helpful bag. Buy at Amazon

What is a go-bag?

A "go bag" or "grab-and-go bag" is basically a pre-packed bundle of emergency essentials that can help you better navigate a time of crisis—whether it's a power outage, case of extreme weather or regional unrest due to conflict or war. Per the U.S. Department of State website, it's advised that people have a 72-hour kit prepared, with emergency items that can help sustain you and your family for (at minimum) 72 hours.

How to pack a go-bag:

The U.S. Department of State website offers a guide for emergency preparedness, including recommendations on what to pack in your go-bag. See a comprehensive guide to the top go-bag checklist essentials, below:

• 3-day supply of nonperishable food and water (per person)
• First Aid kit
• Batteries
• Personal documents (driver's license, passport, birth certificate)
• A flashlight
• Sanitary supplies
• Medications
• Extra clothes