Preparing for Emergencies
When You Must Evacuate Quickly

Basic Emergency Backpack (keep the following items in a large backpack or duffel bag):

• Poncho or rain gear
• 2-liter (2-quart) bottle of water (minimum). If possible up to 6 liters (6 quarts) is desirable.
• 3-day supply of meals (such as meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) with plastic knife, fork and spoon, or high-calorie ration bars (Emergency Food Bar (3600 calories) or 3-day kit lifeboat rations, etc.)
• First aid kit with antibiotic ointments, pain killers, and sanitary gloves
• Hard candy and/or caffeine tablets – for energy
• Space blanket (Mylar) and/or space blanket sleeping bag
• Portable radio (best type is solar-powered with hand crank, which can also recharge cell phones)
• Flashlight (LED-type (light emitting diode) uses less battery power, so they last longer - adjustable beam strength is desirable)
• Swiss Army knife or Leatherman® tool or Gerber® tool (with can opener)
• Sanitation and hygiene supplies (e.g., moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, toothbrush, feminine hygiene items, travel-size shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
• Prayer book
  
• Omitama travel kit & extra set of omitama wraps & extra chain
• Ancestor tablet bag
• Compass & maps of your local area
• Extra clothing (one change of clothing per family member)
• Change the clothes based on the season. Different hats in summer and winter. In colder seasons also pack gloves and thermal underwear (polypropylene or silk)
• Keep sturdy shoes near the pack
• Matches and waterproof container or a lighter with locking top
• Special needs items, such as prescription medication, eye glasses, contacts lens solution, hearing aid batteries, etc.
• Photocopies of identification cards, insurance papers, etc. (keep documents in a small, waterproof bag (such as a Ziploc bag) that can be worn underneath your clothing)
• Cash (small bills) and coins (particularly quarters for public phones)
• Small notebook & pencil/pen