Complete, interactive packing lists for every emergency scenario. Tick items off as you pack. Print any list for offline use.
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⚠️ The golden rule: Your go-bag should be packed and ready BEFORE a crisis. You may have less than 5 minutes to grab it. Keep it by your door or in your car.
A 72-hour go-bag contains everything you need to survive for three days away from home. It should weigh no more than 20kg and fit in one backpack. Review and refresh it every 6 months.
💧 Water & Food
Water — minimum 3 litres per person per day
9L for 3-day solo; use water bottles or bladder
Critical
Water purification tablets or LifeStraw filter
In case water runs out
Critical
High-calorie energy bars (3-day supply)
Look for 2000 cal/day minimum
Critical
Tinned or dried food (no cooking required)
Tuna, beans, nuts, dried fruit
High
Manual can opener
High
Collapsible water container (5L)
For carrying water from sources
High
📄 Documents (waterproof bag)
Passport (original + 2 photocopies)
Critical
National ID card
Critical
Birth certificates (all family members)
Critical
Marriage certificate
High
Insurance documents
High
Medical records, prescriptions, vaccination cards
Critical
Emergency contacts written on paper (not just phone)
Critical
USB drive with digital copies of all documents
High
Cash — small bills in local & USD/EUR
Minimum $200 equivalent; ATMs may be offline
Critical
🏥 First Aid & Medicine
First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, gauze)
Critical
All prescription medications (30-day supply if possible)
Critical
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
High
Oral rehydration salts (ORS sachets)
High
Antihistamines (allergy tablets)
High
Antiseptic wipes & hand sanitiser
High
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins
High
Thermometer
Useful
🔦 Tools & Survival
Torch / flashlight + extra batteries
Critical
Hand-crank or solar emergency radio
For emergency broadcasts when internet is down
High
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
High
Duct tape (a dozen uses in a crisis)
High
Rope or paracord (10m)
High
Emergency whistle
To signal rescuers if trapped
Critical
Lighter + waterproof matches
High
Emergency blanket (Mylar foil)
Reflects 90% of body heat; folds to palm size
High
N95 dust mask or respirator
Earthquake debris, smoke, chemical spills
High
Heavy-duty work gloves
High
📱 Communication & Power
Fully charged smartphone
Critical
Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum)
Charges phone 4–6 times
Critical
Phone charging cables (USB-C and Lightning)
Critical
Local SIM card or international eSIM activated
High
Offline maps downloaded (maps.me or Google Maps offline)
High
Emergency contacts saved AND written on paper
Critical
GlobalHelpHub app or website bookmarked offline
High
👕 Clothing & Shelter
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
Critical
3 changes of clothing (quick-dry fabric)
High
Warm waterproof jacket / rain poncho
High
Hat — sun protection + warmth
High
Sleeping bag (if space allows) or thermal blanket
High
Tarpaulin or lightweight tent
Shelter from weather if no building available
Useful
🧼 Hygiene & Sanitation
Toilet paper or portable bidet
High
Hand soap (bar — lighter than liquid)
High
Toothbrush + toothpaste
High
Feminine hygiene products if needed
Critical
Waste bags (for no-toilet situations)
High
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Useful
Insect repellent
Malaria risk in some displacement zones
High
💰 Money & Valuables
Cash in small bills (USD, EUR, local currency)
$200–500 equivalent minimum
Critical
Bank card + PIN memorised
Critical
Gold or jewellery (small, high value)
Store of value if currency collapses
Useful
Travel insurance details printed
High
🌍 Earthquake — The first 72 hours are critical. Most deaths occur in the first minutes from collapsing buildings. Your survival kit should be reachable without moving more than 2 metres.
🚨 Immediate action items (pre-packed)
Heavy-duty gloves (for rubble)
Critical
Sturdy boots stored near bed
Broken glass on floors after quakes
Critical
Hard hat or bicycle helmet
Falling debris
Critical
N95 masks (dust from collapsed buildings)
Critical
Emergency whistle on a lanyard (worn at night)
Signal to rescuers if trapped under rubble
Critical
Torch stored under bed or at bedside
Critical
Crowbar or pry bar (for trapped doors)
High
🏠 Home preparedness (before a quake)
Know how to shut off gas, water, electricity
Gas leaks cause post-quake fires
Critical
Bolt heavy furniture to walls
Critical
Store items low to ground (not on high shelves)
High
Identify "Drop, Cover, Hold On" spots in each room
Critical
Know your building's safe exit routes
Critical
Agreed family meeting point outside building
Critical
📦 72-hour earthquake kit
9L water per person (3 days × 3L)
Critical
3-day food supply — no cooking needed
Critical
First aid kit with extra bandages
Critical
All medications (30-day supply)
Critical
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
High
Sanitation kit (bucket, bags, toilet paper)
High
Warm blankets for each person
High
Cash (ATMs may be offline)
Critical
Important documents in waterproof bag
Critical
🏃 After the quake — action steps
Check yourself and others for injuries
Step 1
Shut off gas at main valve if you smell gas
Step 2
Do NOT use elevators
Step 3
Leave building if structurally damaged
Step 4
Move to open ground away from buildings
Step 5
Expect aftershocks — stay alert
Step 6
Text family — don't call (overloads networks)
Step 7
Tune to emergency radio for instructions
Step 8
⚔️ War Zone Preparedness — Prepare before the situation deteriorates. Once conflict begins, shops empty within hours, ATMs run dry, and roads become dangerous. Pre-positioning supplies and documents is essential.
🛡️ Safety & protection
Safe room identified in your home (interior, no windows)
Critical
White fabric or cloth (civilian identification)
Critical
Blackout curtains (no light visible at night)
High
PRESS / CIVILIAN / NGO vest if applicable
High
Helmet (bicycle or construction)
High
Know location of nearest bomb shelter / basement
Critical
Multiple exit routes from home memorised
Critical
📦 Extended supplies (2–4 weeks)
Water — 14L per person minimum stored
More if you can; refill whenever possible
Critical
2-week food supply (tinned, dried, long shelf-life)
Critical
Portable gas stove + gas canisters
High
Medications — maximum possible supply
Critical
First aid kit (trauma: tourniquet, wound packing)
Critical
Torches + batteries (large stockpile)
High
Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum)
Critical
Solar charger panel
High
Hand-crank radio (for emergency broadcasts)
High
Cash (large amount — banks may close)
Critical
📱 Communication (war zone)
VPN installed and activated
Internet may be censored or monitored
High
Signal messenger app installed (encrypted)
High
Offline maps of your country downloaded
Critical
Satellite phone or Garmin inReach (if possible)
Ideal
Pre-agreed code words with family for danger
High
Embassy emergency number saved (24/7 line)
Critical
UNHCR & ICRC local numbers saved
Critical
📄 Documents — keep on your body
Passport in a waterproof body pouch
Critical
Copies stored separately from originals
Critical
Proof of civil status (marriage, birth of children)
Critical
Medical records and vaccination history
High
Photos of all family members (in case separated)
Critical
Property documents if time allows
High
🛂 Refugee Journey Packing — You may be travelling for days or weeks on foot, by vehicle, or by sea. Pack light but pack smart. Every item must earn its place in your bag. You need to be able to carry everything yourself.
📄 Documents — most important
Passport(s) for all family members
Critical
Birth certificates (especially for children)
Critical
UNHCR registration documents (if you have them)
Critical
Marriage certificate
High
Educational certificates and diplomas
Needed for work and school in new country
High
Medical records and vaccination history
High
Photos of family members in case of separation
Critical
All in waterproof document pouch worn on body
Critical
💧 Water & Food (journey)
LifeStraw or water filter (can drink from any source)
Critical
Water purification tablets (backup)
Critical
Collapsible water bottle (2L, fills anywhere)
High
High-calorie energy bars (5-day supply)
Critical
Dried fruit and nuts
High
Oral rehydration salts sachets
High
🏥 Health for the journey
All prescription medications (maximum supply)
Critical
Blister pads and plasters (long walking)
High
Anti-diarrhoea tablets
High
Antihistamine (allergic reactions)
High
Antiseptic cream and wound dressings
High
Paracetamol / ibuprofen
High
Baby formula / nappies if travelling with infant
Critical
💰 Money & access
Cash in USD and EUR (most accepted globally)
Minimum $300; carry split across multiple pockets
Critical
Small amount in local currency
High
Bank card if accessible
High
Money hidden in multiple places (shoes, bra, lining)
In case of theft during journey
Critical
Emergency contact who can wire money (Western Union)
High
👕 Clothing (minimal, practical)
Sturdy walking shoes / boots (broken in)
Critical
2 changes of clothes (quick-dry)
High
Warm layer (even in summer — nights can be cold)
High
Rain poncho or lightweight jacket
High
Hat (sun and warmth)
High
Headscarf or hijab if needed
High
Warm socks (3 pairs — change daily)
High
📱 Communication & navigation
Smartphone fully charged
Critical
Power bank (20,000 mAh) with charging cable
Critical
Offline maps of route downloaded (maps.me)
Critical
SIM card or international eSIM activated
High
UNHCR emergency number saved: +1 800 230 8886
Critical
Destination country embassy number saved
High
Small notebook and pen (for contacts if phone dies)
High
🌊 Flood Warning — Flash floods can arrive in minutes. Never wait for an official order if water is rising. Move immediately to higher ground. Never walk or drive through floodwater.
🚨 Grab in the first 5 minutes
Passport and ID documents
Critical
Medications
Critical
Phone + charger + power bank
Critical
Cash
Critical
Change of dry clothes in waterproof bag
High
Torch
High
Pre-packed go-bag (if reachable)
Critical
🏊 Flood survival items
Life jacket or inflatable armbands (for children)
Critical
Waterproof bags for all belongings
High
Rubber boots / waders
High
Rope (for tethering to solid objects)
High
Whistle (to signal rescuers)
High
Water purification (flood water is contaminated)
Critical
Tetanus booster if not up to date
Floodwater carries dangerous pathogens
High
🚨 Evacuation — When ordered to evacuate, you typically have 10–30 minutes. Everything you need should be in a pre-packed bag by the door. Plan your route in advance and have a backup.
⚡ 15-minute evacuation essentials
Pre-packed go-bag (ready to grab)
Critical
All family members + pets accounted for
Critical
Car keys, fuel (keep tank above half always)
Critical
Know 3 different exit routes (roads may be blocked)
Critical
Destination address and backup destination agreed
Critical
Notify family of evacuation and destination
Critical
Turn off gas, water, electricity before leaving
High
🗺️ Navigation & destination
Offline maps downloaded
Critical
Paper map of your region as backup
High
Pre-booked or arranged shelter/hotel at destination
High
Location of nearest evacuation centre
High
Border crossing information if leaving country
Critical
👨👩👧 Families with children — Children have different needs in a crisis. Plan for their specific requirements: medications, comfort items, identification, and how to keep them calm during an emergency.
👶 Infants (0–2 years)
Baby formula (7-day supply)
Critical
Nappies / diapers (large supply)
Critical
Baby wipes and nappy cream
Critical
Portable baby carrier / sling
Keeps hands free on foot
Critical
Infant medications (fever, colic)
High
Warm sleeping bag or onesie for baby
High
Pacifier / comfort item
High
🧒 Children (3–12 years)
Child's own small backpack with their items
Giving them a bag builds responsibility and calm
High
Wristband with parent's phone number + blood type
Critical
Photos of each child (in case separated)
Critical
One comfort toy / teddy bear
Mental health anchor during trauma
High
Snacks they like (sense of normality)
High
Colouring book or small game (for waiting)
Useful
Children's paracetamol and antihistamine
High
Teach children: family meeting point, emergency number
Critical
💊 Medical conditions in a crisis — If you or a family member has a chronic condition, preparing your medical supplies is the most critical part of emergency planning. Pharmacies may be closed for weeks.
💉 Diabetes
Insulin (maximum supply, stored cool)
Critical
Syringes and needles
Critical
Blood glucose monitor + spare strips
Critical
Glucose tablets or juice (hypoglycaemia)
Critical
Cooling pouch for insulin storage
High
Medical ID bracelet
Critical
❤️ Heart conditions
All heart medications (90-day supply)
Critical
Nitroglycerin spray / tablets (angina)
Critical
Blood pressure monitor
High
Medical summary card listing conditions + meds
Critical
Doctor's letter with diagnosis and treatment
High
🫁 Respiratory conditions
Asthma inhalers (reliever + preventer)
Critical
Spacer device for inhaler
High
N95 masks (dust and smoke)
Critical
Portable nebuliser (battery-powered) if used
Critical
🧠 Mental health
All psychiatric medications (maximum possible supply)
Critical
Crisis plan written down (what to do if medication runs out)
Critical
Psychiatrist's contact details
High
Mental health hotline number saved (see our mental health page)
High
Comfort items (reduces anxiety)
High
❄️ Cold weather survival — Hypothermia kills faster than hunger or thirst. If displaced in winter, staying dry and warm is your top survival priority. Wet clothing loses 90% of its insulation value.
🧥 Clothing layers
Thermal base layer (top + bottoms)
Critical
Fleece mid-layer
Critical
Waterproof outer jacket
Critical
Insulated waterproof boots
Critical
Wool hat (covers ears)
Critical
Waterproof gloves
Critical
Wool or thermal socks (multiple pairs)
Critical
Neck gaiter / balaclava
High
🔥 Heat sources
Chemical hand warmers (multiple packs)
High
Mylar emergency blankets (reflect 90% body heat)
Critical
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C or below
Critical
Candles + holder (heating a small space)
High
Small alcohol or gas stove (hot drinks save lives)
High
Insulated food flask
High
📱 Digital safety in a crisis — In conflict zones, your digital footprint can be as dangerous as being in the wrong place. Protect your identity, your communications, and your data.
🔒 Privacy & security
Install Signal for encrypted messaging
Critical
Install a reputable VPN (NordVPN, ProtonVPN)
Critical
Enable full disk encryption on phone
High
Use a strong passcode (not fingerprint in conflict zones)
You cannot be legally forced to give a code in most countries
High
Delete sensitive photos, messages, social media apps
High
Back up important data to encrypted cloud
High
📡 Connectivity
Download offline maps (maps.me, Google Maps)
Critical
Download offline translator (Google Translate)
High
Save important web pages for offline reading
High
Have a local SIM + international eSIM (Airalo)
High
Know how to access Tor browser if internet censored