What is Your Go Plan?
By Sue Hegarty - 16 August 2026
Imagine there was a knock on your door or notification on your phone, and you had ten minutes to evacuate? What would you grab to take with you? Even the thought of it can be a little scary.
Some of us have heard of a 72-hour kit (disaster kit, go bag, bug out bag, etc.) but what is it really? The original concept goes back into the early 20th century but after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, FEMA began recommending that everyone have a kit. The purpose being that a kit like this would allow a family to sustain their needs for up to three days until FEMA was able to show up.
Since then, many people have weighed in on the best way to build a 72-hour kit, many lists have been put out online, and many B(expensive) prepackaged kits have been for sale. This can be quite confusing, leaving many without an idea of where to even start when trying to build one. Let’s make it work for you.
Here are some ideas:
We aren’t through with wildfire season, and it is my hope that we won’t get that knock or notification telling us that we need to evacuate. The peace of mind that comes from having our 72 hour kits ready to go however, is priceless.
By Sue Hegarty - 16 August 2026
Imagine there was a knock on your door or notification on your phone, and you had ten minutes to evacuate? What would you grab to take with you? Even the thought of it can be a little scary.
Some of us have heard of a 72-hour kit (disaster kit, go bag, bug out bag, etc.) but what is it really? The original concept goes back into the early 20th century but after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, FEMA began recommending that everyone have a kit. The purpose being that a kit like this would allow a family to sustain their needs for up to three days until FEMA was able to show up.
Since then, many people have weighed in on the best way to build a 72-hour kit, many lists have been put out online, and many B(expensive) prepackaged kits have been for sale. This can be quite confusing, leaving many without an idea of where to even start when trying to build one. Let’s make it work for you.
Here are some ideas:
- Each member of the family needs a kit, including babies and pets.
- Find a container. It can be a backpack, suitcase, duffle bag, plastic tote, or even what my dad uses which is a small rolling trash can.
- Find a list. Be Ready Utah (beready.utah.gov) has an extensive list of items to include in what they call a Disaster Supply Kit or 72-hour kit. Take the list that you find and add what you need to it. For instance, if it doesn’t list medication and you definitely need your medication, be sure to include that. Also, don’t be afraid to cross off items that you don’t need.
- One good thing to include that the list may not mention is an emergency binder. This can include things like banking information, bill information, insurance information, birth certificates, vehicle titles, cash, and anything else you can think of.
- Be sure to include food and clothing. These can be put in separate containers if it makes it easier.
- Find a place to store your kits that is easy to get to.
- A good rule of thumb is to change out food and clothing every six months. Another good rule of thumb is to make everyone is aware of where the kits are and what they will need to do in an emergency.
We aren’t through with wildfire season, and it is my hope that we won’t get that knock or notification telling us that we need to evacuate. The peace of mind that comes from having our 72 hour kits ready to go however, is priceless.