Disaster preparedness
Volunteer Go Bags: What to Pack for Home, Events, and Disaster Deployments
A useful go bag fits the work you have actually been assigned. Start with home readiness, a light event bag, or a major-disaster support bag—then add only the equipment, training, and supplies that belong in that role.
Published September 29, 2026 · 12 min read
Choose the bag before you shop
A home kit, an event-shift bag, and a disaster-deployment bag solve different problems. You do not need to buy or carry all three. Start with your assignment, the equipment your organization issues, and the supplies you already own.
A second independently stocked bag needs real duplicates. Moving the same first-aid kit between two bags can be practical for everyday use, but it does not make both bags ready at the same time. Keep medicines, accessibility needs, children's supplies, pet supplies, food, bulk water, transport, and a household shelter plan under a separate review.
- Home disaster essentials: a shared household example with portable supplies for evacuation—not a complete all-hazards survival backpack.
- Light volunteer deployment: an 18–24 L daypack for a planned 4–12 hour event shift, with water, visibility, weather protection, and the gear the assignment calls for.
- Major disaster volunteer deployment: a 45–55 L pack and removable personal-sustainment module for a trained, assigned volunteer. It is a 24–72 hour planning module, not a self-contained 72-hour survival system.
Safety and deployment limits
For out-of-area disaster work, register with a responding organization and wait for an assignment. Do not self-deploy to a disaster scene. Follow the procedures of your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) sponsoring agency and the incident organization.
A major bag supports an assigned role. It is not authorization or equipment for structural firefighting, floodwater rescue, hazardous-material response, unsafe structural entry, or medical procedures beyond your training and local protocol. Team approval comes first for radios, traffic equipment, utility tools, protective equipment, and marking conventions.
Particle respirators need suitable fit and use; they do not protect against gases or vapors and do not supply oxygen. An adult respirator is not automatically suitable for a child. Water-treatment products must be used exactly as their actual label and container direct; they cannot make fuel- or toxic-chemical-contaminated water safe.
Build in modules, not a pile of gear
Pack in clear modules so you can see what is missing and carry only what the task requires: medical and personal-protection supplies; water and personal comfort; communications and power; light and documentation; then weather and sanitation. Label pouches, protect paper records, and keep sterile products sealed with their original instructions.
Each profile below includes at least one tourniquet: one for the home bag, one for the light event bag, and two for the major-deployment bag. Store it where it is quickly accessible, and keep any medical equipment tied to your training, protocol, and the responding organization's plan. Trauma items and advanced components are not treatment instructions.
Avoid duplicate purchases and inspect what you pack
Before buying, make a three-column inventory: already own, issued by the organization, and still needed. Check whether a listed kit already contains an item before adding more. The major-bag targets below are gross targets, so an item credited from an included kit is not automatically an additional purchase.
Twice a year and before a deployment, inspect batteries and charging cables, fit the pack, review expiration dates and sterile packaging, replace weather-damaged items, update contact and medication information, and confirm that radio, safety, and PPE choices still match your team's instructions.
Packing checklists
Use these as planning lists, then adapt them to your assignment, training, household, and local procedures.
Home disaster essentials — shared household example
Summary
35–45 L portable bag plus separately staged home supplies. This worked example is for six household members and two adults needing PPE; scale personal water, whistles, rain layers, and thermal blankets to the people in your household.
Recommended bag
Every item
Quantities are for the linked product, box, roll, or package. Confirm pack counts and fit before buying; then follow the packing guidance for this bag profile.
| Item | Quantity | Purpose / Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| AMK Mountain Series Backpacker medical kit | 1 | Keep one intact minor-injury kit in each bag; contents vary by edition. |
| NAR C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet | 1 | Verify seller authenticity and use only within training and protocol. |
| Emergency pressure dressing, 4-inch | 1 | Keep sealed; account for any dressing already included in the major trauma kit. |
| RHINO RESCUE sterile compressed gauze | 1 package | Keep sterile packaging intact; account for any gauze already in the major trauma kit. |
| 36-inch moldable splint | 1 | Account for a splint already included in the major trauma kit. |
| Adult + infant CPR mask combo | 1 package | Use within CPR training and the event or organization protocol. |
| Trauma shears | 1 | Account for the pair included in the major trauma kit. |
| Correct-size non-latex exam gloves | 1 box | Choose the correct size; do not assume one size fits everyone. Prefer appropriate exam gloves when replenishing. |
| CURAD finger/knuckle bandages | 1 box | Use as a top-up beyond adhesive bandages in the base kit. |
| Cohesive wrap, 1-inch | 1 package | For small-area dressing retention; not a substitute for wider wraps. |
| Sterile 4 x 4-inch gauze pads | 1 package | Keep individual sterile packaging intact. |
| Sterile abdominal / ABD pads | 1 package | Account for the additional major pad included in the trauma kit. |
| Triangular bandage | 1 package | Account for the additional major bandage included in the trauma kit. |
| Roller gauze, 3-inch | 1 package | Use as dressing-retention supplies; do not substitute duct tape. |
| Medical adhesive tape, 1-inch | 1 | Audit the major kit before reducing the target for included tape. |
| HypaClens sterile eyewash pod | 1 package | For small-volume debris rinse only; seek appropriate care for chemical exposure. |
| Hydrocortisone single-use packet | 1 package | Keep original labeled packets; use only for personal use or permitted protocol. |
| Water Jel Burn Jel packet | 1 package | A minor-burn adjunct, not a replacement for cooling or serious-burn care. |
| Instant cold pack | 1 package | A cold-pack supply is not an event heat-emergency treatment capability. |
| HotHands hand warmer | 1 package | Weather-dependent carry; keep the bulk remainder at home. |
| EVERLIT CARE travel medicine kit | 1 | Home organizer only. Review duplicate medicines, expiry dates, and child suitability. |
| Liquid I.V. electrolyte packet | 1 package | Mix as the packet directs; safe water access and rest breaks remain separate requirements. |
| Reusable personal water bottle | 6 | Fill on departure and arrange refills; these are not multi-day water storage. |
| Aquatabs 49 mg, small-container formulation | 1 package | Keep the label intact and follow dose/contact time exactly; do not split larger tablets. |
| 3M Aura 9205+ N95 adult respirator | 1 box | Confirm individual fit and program requirements. Adult respirators may not fit children and do not protect against gases or fire entry. |
| Leather work gloves | 2 | Major includes a working pair and dry spare. Not electrical, chemical, or needle-proof protection. |
| ANSI Z87.1 impact-rated safety goggles | 2 | Confirm fit with prescription glasses and respirator, plus required markings. |
| Breakaway high-visibility safety vest | 2 | Use the class or garment the assignment requires and preserve authorized identification. |
| Midland WR120B NOAA weather alert radio | 1 | Stage powered and programmed beside the home kit; it is not a two-way field radio. |
| SHvivik emergency whistle | 6 | Attach securely; use child-safe attachment arrangements at home. |
| Cyalume 12-hour light stick | 1 package | Non-flame emergency marking or light source; follow agreed marking conventions. |
| Beccason rechargeable headlamp | 2 | Charge and test useful runtime before relying on it. |
| Goreit rechargeable flashlight | 1 | Home backup after testing; do not rely on unverified advertised output. |
| 20,000 mAh USB-C power bank | 1 | Test with your devices and protect from heat and water; capacity is not a runtime guarantee. |
| Phone charging cables + wall/car USB charger | 1 | Keep one matched set in each bag for every device connector. |
| Spare batteries matched to all kit devices | 1 package | Major carries two complete changes; count actual device needs and protect loose terminals. |
| Rite in the Rain 3x5 notebook | 1 | One three-pack covers all three bags. |
| Rite in the Rain BK11 pen | 1 | Keep a pencil or backup marker with forms. |
| Yellow wax marker | 1 | Use only team-authorized marks; do not improvise search or triage coding. |
| Permanent marker, fine and broad tips | 1 package | For forms, bags, and time marking; supplement wax markers. |
| Water-resistant document wallet | 1 | Carry copies and contacts at home; carry ID, assignment, maps, contacts, and forms on deployment. |
| Masking/labeling tape, 2-inch | 1 | For home labels and major documentation organization per team procedure. |
| Packable rain poncho / rain shell | 6 | Fit household members individually; deployment rainwear must preserve required visibility. |
| Emergency thermal blanket | 1 package | Not a substitute for an overnight sleeping system. |
| Small sunscreen | 1 | Check label and wearer suitability; personal supply, not public medication stock. |
| Small insect repellent | 1 | Use as the label directs for the wearer and conditions. |
| Hand sanitizer | 1 | Keep with the medical pouch; it does not replace handwashing when visibly dirty. |
| Soap sheets / small soap | 1 package | Requires safe water; keep dry. |
| Body/hand wipes | 1 package | A larger home refill pack can stay outside the portable bag. |
| Toilet tissue + sealable waste bags | 1 package | Major deployment may need an approved portable-toilet or waste arrangement at staging. |
| Zip bags + heavy-duty trash bags + ties | 1 package | Separate wet or dirty gear from medical supplies. |
| Duct tape | 1 roll | One roll is enough; flat-wrap the light and major portions. |
| Utility shutoff tool, home-compatible | 1 | Confirm compatibility and safety with the utility or CERT team; never restore gas yourself. |
| Compact pliers-based multitool | 1 | For general repair, not live electrical work; do not bring prohibited blades to screened events. |
| Home 35–45 L backpack or compact duffel | 1 | Use an empty bag, not another prefilled survival kit; stage refill stock beside it. |
| Roll-top dry bags / internal pack liners | 1 package | Separate electronics, sterile supplies, and spare clothes; a rain cover alone is not waterproof storage. |
| Clearly labeled medical/trauma pouches | 1 package | Keep light and home bleeding pouches quick-access; avoid unnecessary duplicate pouches in the major kit. |
| Vehicle MOLLE seat-back organizer | 1 | Optional vehicle refill station, not part of the carried home bag; avoid heat-sensitive medical storage. |
| RESQME vehicle escape tool | 1 | Keep within reach in each vehicle, not buried in a bag; verify limitations before relying on it. |
Light volunteer deployment — one assigned event shift
Summary
18–24 L daypack for one volunteer. The 4–12 hour duration is a planning scenario, not a guarantee. Confirm water refills, breaks, weather, communications, and the event medical plan.
Recommended bag
Every item
Quantities are for the linked product, box, roll, or package. Confirm pack counts and fit before buying; then follow the packing guidance for this bag profile.
| Item | Quantity | Purpose / Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| AMK Mountain Series Backpacker medical kit | 1 | Keep one intact minor-injury kit in each bag; contents vary by edition. |
| NAR C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet | 1 | Verify seller authenticity and use only within training and protocol. |
| Recommended MOLLE tourniquet holder | 1 | Recommended for light and major bags to keep a tourniquet accessible; confirm it fits the selected pack and team policy. |
| Emergency pressure dressing, 4-inch | 1 | Keep sealed; account for any dressing already included in the major trauma kit. |
| RHINO RESCUE sterile compressed gauze | 1 package | Keep sterile packaging intact; account for any gauze already in the major trauma kit. |
| Adult + infant CPR mask combo | 1 package | Use within CPR training and the event or organization protocol. |
| Trauma shears | 1 | Account for the pair included in the major trauma kit. |
| Correct-size non-latex exam gloves | 1 box | Choose the correct size; do not assume one size fits everyone. Prefer appropriate exam gloves when replenishing. |
| CURAD finger/knuckle bandages | 1 box | Use as a top-up beyond adhesive bandages in the base kit. |
| Cohesive wrap, 1-inch | 1 package | For small-area dressing retention; not a substitute for wider wraps. |
| Sterile 4 x 4-inch gauze pads | 1 package | Keep individual sterile packaging intact. |
| Sterile abdominal / ABD pads | 1 package | Account for the additional major pad included in the trauma kit. |
| Triangular bandage | 1 package | Account for the additional major bandage included in the trauma kit. |
| Roller gauze, 3-inch | 1 package | Use as dressing-retention supplies; do not substitute duct tape. |
| Medical adhesive tape, 1-inch | 1 | Audit the major kit before reducing the target for included tape. |
| HypaClens sterile eyewash pod | 1 package | For small-volume debris rinse only; seek appropriate care for chemical exposure. |
| Hydrocortisone single-use packet | 1 package | Keep original labeled packets; use only for personal use or permitted protocol. |
| Water Jel Burn Jel packet | 1 package | A minor-burn adjunct, not a replacement for cooling or serious-burn care. |
| Instant cold pack | 1 package | A cold-pack supply is not an event heat-emergency treatment capability. |
| HotHands hand warmer | 1 package | Weather-dependent carry; keep the bulk remainder at home. |
| Liquid I.V. electrolyte packet | 1 package | Mix as the packet directs; safe water access and rest breaks remain separate requirements. |
| Reusable personal water bottle | 1 | Fill on departure and arrange refills; these are not multi-day water storage. |
| 3M Aura 9205+ N95 adult respirator | 1 box | Confirm individual fit and program requirements. Adult respirators may not fit children and do not protect against gases or fire entry. |
| Leather work gloves | 1 | Major includes a working pair and dry spare. Not electrical, chemical, or needle-proof protection. |
| ANSI Z87.1 impact-rated safety goggles | 1 | Confirm fit with prescription glasses and respirator, plus required markings. |
| Breakaway high-visibility safety vest | 1 | Use the class or garment the assignment requires and preserve authorized identification. |
| Hearing-protection earplugs | 1 package | For noisy assignments; follow radio and traffic-safety requirements. |
| Team-approved handheld radio | 1 | Do not buy until a coordinator confirms service, authorization, channels, and interoperability. |
| Radio holster | 1 | Verify the fit against the team-approved radio. |
| Approved radio spare battery and charger set | 1 | Buy after the radio model is approved; test the charger and battery compatibility. |
| SHvivik emergency whistle | 1 | Attach securely; use child-safe attachment arrangements at home. |
| LED traffic-directing wand | 1 | Only for assigned traffic duties and agreed local marking conventions. |
| Cyalume 12-hour light stick | 1 package | Non-flame emergency marking or light source; follow agreed marking conventions. |
| COAST FL75 replaceable-battery headlamp | 1 | Carry compatible spare batteries and test helmet fit. |
| Compact replaceable-battery flashlight | 1 | Independent backup to the headlamp; confirm battery type. |
| 10,000 mAh USB-C power bank | 1 | Light-kit phone power; do not assume it will charge a radio unless tested. |
| Phone charging cables + wall/car USB charger | 1 | Keep one matched set in each bag for every device connector. |
| Spare batteries matched to all kit devices | 1 package | Major carries two complete changes; count actual device needs and protect loose terminals. |
| Rite in the Rain 3x5 notebook | 1 | One three-pack covers all three bags. |
| Rite in the Rain BK11 pen | 1 | Keep a pencil or backup marker with forms. |
| CERT Field Operator's Guide No. 573 | 1 | Follow your program's current procedures where they differ. |
| Yellow wax marker | 1 | Use only team-authorized marks; do not improvise search or triage coding. |
| Permanent marker, fine and broad tips | 1 package | For forms, bags, and time marking; supplement wax markers. |
| Water-resistant document wallet | 1 | Carry copies and contacts at home; carry ID, assignment, maps, contacts, and forms on deployment. |
| Packable rain poncho / rain shell | 1 | Fit household members individually; deployment rainwear must preserve required visibility. |
| Emergency thermal blanket | 1 package | Not a substitute for an overnight sleeping system. |
| Small sunscreen | 1 | Check label and wearer suitability; personal supply, not public medication stock. |
| Small insect repellent | 1 | Use as the label directs for the wearer and conditions. |
| Cooling towel | 1 | Personal comfort item, not treatment for heat stroke. |
| Hand sanitizer | 1 | Keep with the medical pouch; it does not replace handwashing when visibly dirty. |
| Soap sheets / small soap | 1 package | Requires safe water; keep dry. |
| Body/hand wipes | 1 package | A larger home refill pack can stay outside the portable bag. |
| Toilet tissue + sealable waste bags | 1 package | Major deployment may need an approved portable-toilet or waste arrangement at staging. |
| Zip bags + heavy-duty trash bags + ties | 1 package | Separate wet or dirty gear from medical supplies. |
| Duct tape | 1 roll | One roll is enough; flat-wrap the light and major portions. |
| Light 18-24 L daypack | 1 | Choose a comfortable harness with visible identification and quick access to gloves, radio, and bleeding module. |
| Roll-top dry bags / internal pack liners | 1 package | Separate electronics, sterile supplies, and spare clothes; a rain cover alone is not waterproof storage. |
| Clearly labeled medical/trauma pouches | 1 package | Keep light and home bleeding pouches quick-access; avoid unnecessary duplicate pouches in the major kit. |
Major disaster volunteer deployment — trained and assigned
Summary
45–55 L supportive pack with a removable sustainment module. This supports an initial 24–72 hour personal and gear plan; confirm lodging, sleep system, food, safe water/refills, sanitation, transport, and resupply before leaving.
Recommended bag
Every item
Quantities are for the linked product, box, roll, or package. Confirm pack counts and fit before buying; then follow the packing guidance for this bag profile.
| Item | Quantity | Purpose / Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| AMK Mountain Series Backpacker medical kit | 1 | Keep one intact minor-injury kit in each bag; contents vary by edition. |
| EVERLIT Advanced Trauma Kit | 1 | Major kit only. Confirm delivered contents and remove items not authorized by the local protocol. |
| NAR C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet | 2 | Verify seller authenticity and use only within training and protocol. |
| Recommended MOLLE tourniquet holder | 1 | Recommended for light and major bags to keep a tourniquet accessible; confirm it fits the selected pack and team policy. |
| Emergency pressure dressing, 4-inch | 2 | Keep sealed; account for any dressing already included in the major trauma kit. |
| RHINO RESCUE sterile compressed gauze | 1 package | Keep sterile packaging intact; account for any gauze already in the major trauma kit. |
| HyFin Vent Compact chest-seal twin pack | 1 package | Major only; carry and use only with appropriate training and local protocol. |
| 36-inch moldable splint | 2 | Account for a splint already included in the major trauma kit. |
| Adult + infant CPR mask combo | 1 package | Use within CPR training and the event or organization protocol. |
| Trauma shears | 1 | Account for the pair included in the major trauma kit. |
| Correct-size non-latex exam gloves | 1 box | Choose the correct size; do not assume one size fits everyone. Prefer appropriate exam gloves when replenishing. |
| CURAD finger/knuckle bandages | 1 box | Use as a top-up beyond adhesive bandages in the base kit. |
| Cohesive wrap, 1-inch | 1 package | For small-area dressing retention; not a substitute for wider wraps. |
| Sterile 4 x 4-inch gauze pads | 1 package | Keep individual sterile packaging intact. |
| Sterile abdominal / ABD pads | 1 package | Account for the additional major pad included in the trauma kit. |
| Triangular bandage | 1 package | Account for the additional major bandage included in the trauma kit. |
| Roller gauze, 3-inch | 1 package | Use as dressing-retention supplies; do not substitute duct tape. |
| Medical adhesive tape, 1-inch | 2 | Audit the major kit before reducing the target for included tape. |
| HypaClens sterile eyewash pod | 1 package | For small-volume debris rinse only; seek appropriate care for chemical exposure. |
| Hydrocortisone single-use packet | 1 package | Keep original labeled packets; use only for personal use or permitted protocol. |
| Water Jel Burn Jel packet | 1 package | A minor-burn adjunct, not a replacement for cooling or serious-burn care. |
| Instant cold pack | 1 package | A cold-pack supply is not an event heat-emergency treatment capability. |
| HotHands hand warmer | 1 package | Weather-dependent carry; keep the bulk remainder at home. |
| Liquid I.V. electrolyte packet | 1 package | Mix as the packet directs; safe water access and rest breaks remain separate requirements. |
| Reusable personal water bottle | 2 | Fill on departure and arrange refills; these are not multi-day water storage. |
| Aquatabs 49 mg, small-container formulation | 1 package | Keep the label intact and follow dose/contact time exactly; do not split larger tablets. |
| 3M Aura 9205+ N95 adult respirator | 1 box | Confirm individual fit and program requirements. Adult respirators may not fit children and do not protect against gases or fire entry. |
| Leather work gloves | 2 | Major includes a working pair and dry spare. Not electrical, chemical, or needle-proof protection. |
| ANSI Z87.1 impact-rated safety goggles | 1 | Confirm fit with prescription glasses and respirator, plus required markings. |
| Breakaway high-visibility safety vest | 1 | Use the class or garment the assignment requires and preserve authorized identification. |
| Team-approved Type II safety helmet with chin strap | 1 | Confirm the approved model and fit; do not duplicate an issued compliant helmet. |
| Hearing-protection earplugs | 1 package | For noisy assignments; follow radio and traffic-safety requirements. |
| Team-approved handheld radio | 1 | Do not buy until a coordinator confirms service, authorization, channels, and interoperability. |
| Radio holster | 1 | Verify the fit against the team-approved radio. |
| Approved radio spare battery and charger set | 1 | Buy after the radio model is approved; test the charger and battery compatibility. |
| SHvivik emergency whistle | 1 | Attach securely; use child-safe attachment arrangements at home. |
| LED traffic-directing wand | 1 | Only for assigned traffic duties and agreed local marking conventions. |
| Cyalume 12-hour light stick | 1 package | Non-flame emergency marking or light source; follow agreed marking conventions. |
| COAST FL75 replaceable-battery headlamp | 1 | Carry compatible spare batteries and test helmet fit. |
| Compact replaceable-battery flashlight | 1 | Independent backup to the headlamp; confirm battery type. |
| 20,000 mAh USB-C power bank | 1 | Test with your devices and protect from heat and water; capacity is not a runtime guarantee. |
| Phone charging cables + wall/car USB charger | 1 | Keep one matched set in each bag for every device connector. |
| Spare batteries matched to all kit devices | 1 package | Major carries two complete changes; count actual device needs and protect loose terminals. |
| Rite in the Rain 3x5 notebook | 1 | One three-pack covers all three bags. |
| Rite in the Rain BK11 pen | 1 | Keep a pencil or backup marker with forms. |
| CERT Field Operator's Guide No. 573 | 1 | Follow your program's current procedures where they differ. |
| Yellow wax marker | 2 | Use only team-authorized marks; do not improvise search or triage coding. |
| Permanent marker, fine and broad tips | 1 package | For forms, bags, and time marking; supplement wax markers. |
| Water-resistant document wallet | 1 | Carry copies and contacts at home; carry ID, assignment, maps, contacts, and forms on deployment. |
| Masking/labeling tape, 2-inch | 1 | For home labels and major documentation organization per team procedure. |
| Packable rain poncho / rain shell | 1 | Fit household members individually; deployment rainwear must preserve required visibility. |
| Emergency thermal blanket | 1 package | Not a substitute for an overnight sleeping system. |
| Small sunscreen | 1 | Check label and wearer suitability; personal supply, not public medication stock. |
| Small insect repellent | 1 | Use as the label directs for the wearer and conditions. |
| Cooling towel | 1 | Personal comfort item, not treatment for heat stroke. |
| Hand sanitizer | 1 | Keep with the medical pouch; it does not replace handwashing when visibly dirty. |
| Soap sheets / small soap | 1 package | Requires safe water; keep dry. |
| Body/hand wipes | 1 package | A larger home refill pack can stay outside the portable bag. |
| Toilet tissue + sealable waste bags | 1 package | Major deployment may need an approved portable-toilet or waste arrangement at staging. |
| Zip bags + heavy-duty trash bags + ties | 1 package | Separate wet or dirty gear from medical supplies. |
| Duct tape | 1 roll | One roll is enough; flat-wrap the light and major portions. |
| Verified non-sparking utility shutoff tool | 1 | Only as trained, assigned, and utility-approved. |
| Compact pliers-based multitool | 1 | For general repair, not live electrical work; do not bring prohibited blades to screened events. |
| Small compass | 1 | For assigned navigation work with local maps and training. |
| Major 45-55 L supportive backpack | 1 | Choose a supportive hip belt and harness; use a removable sustainment cube rather than carrying every reserve supply. |
| Roll-top dry bags / internal pack liners | 1 package | Separate electronics, sterile supplies, and spare clothes; a rain cover alone is not waterproof storage. |
| Clearly labeled medical/trauma pouches | 1 package | Keep light and home bleeding pouches quick-access; avoid unnecessary duplicate pouches in the major kit. |
| RESQME vehicle escape tool | 1 | Keep within reach in each vehicle, not buried in a bag; verify limitations before relying on it. |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need all three bags?
No. Choose the one that matches your current need. Build other profiles only when you have a real use for them, and do not count one physical item as two independently ready bags.
Can I move one first-aid kit between bags?
You can, but then only one bag is ready at a time. For independent readiness, stock actual duplicates and account for items already inside assembled kits.
How is a go bag different from a trauma kit?
A go bag organizes personal, operational, and comfort supplies for a defined situation. A trauma kit is a medical module and should match the user's training, role, and protocol.
Which radio should a CERT volunteer buy?
Wait for your CERT or responding organization to approve the service, model, channels, accessories, and authorization. A radio that does not match the team's plan may not be useful.
Is the major bag a self-contained 72-hour kit?
No. It is an initial 24–72 hour planning module for a trained, assigned volunteer. Lodging, food, water, sanitation, transport, sleep, and resupply still require a real deployment plan.
What stays at home or in the vehicle?
Bulk water, meal supplies, large tools, and household-specific needs usually stay home; vehicle-only safety tools stay in the vehicle. Carry only what your task, access, and organization require.
Ready to put preparedness into practice?
Find volunteer organizations and public Disaster Response Missions in your community. Register before an emergency—your skills are most useful when a team knows how to reach and assign you.
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