Packing Your Go Bag for Older Adults

Authors: Faye Griffiths-Smith
faye.griffiths-smith@uconn.edu

Reviewers: Juliana Barrett & Mary Ellen Welch, UConn Extension

Publication EXT 231 | September 2026

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Introduction

A ‘go bag’ is a small, easy-to-carry bag packed ahead of time that allows one to leave quickly during emergencies, such as hurricanes, coastal flooding, storm surges, extended power outages, or evacuation orders. The contents should support health, safety, and independence for up to three days.

Making a go-bag need not be costly. You may already have a duffel, drawstring, or tote bag you can use. A small rolling suitcase might be another option. You may already have some supplies on hand.

However, buying items for a budget starter go bag with a basic backpack, flashlight, batteries, poncho, emergency blanket, water bottle, protein bars, tuna pouches, peanut butter, crackers, and a travel hygiene kit along with medications and documents from home, would cost about $40 to $70 at the time of publication.

Go Bag Checklist for Older Adults

Essential Health Needs

  • Printed medication list with dosages, purpose, schedule and name of the
    prescribing physician;
  • Seven-day (minimum) supply of medications;
  • List of medical conditions;
  • Copies of Medicare/Medicaid, insurance cards, and personal identification cards;
  • Doctor and pharmacy contact information;
  • Spare glasses/hearing aid batteries;
  • Small first aid kit;
  • Medical and assistive devices (foldable cane, walker, supplies related to diabetes, oxygen tank usage, CPAP machine, power supply, and other equipment and items for specific conditions).

Basic Survival Items

  • Refillable water bottle;
  • Three days of ready-to-eat food (protein bars, tuna pouches, peanut butter, crackers);
  • Manual can opener;
  • Flashlight with fresh batteries;
  • Portable phone charger and charging cable, power bank;
  • Battery or hand-crank weather radio;
  • Local paper map with evacuation routes marked.

Clothing and Protection

  • Change of comfortable clothes, appropriate for the season;
  • Sturdy walking shoes;
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho;
  • Sweater, sweatshirt, or warm layer;
  • Extra socks (two/three pairs);
  • Emergency blanket or sleeping bag.

Important Documents

  • Copy of photo ID;
  • Waterproof document pouch;
  • Proof of address;
  • Emergency contact list on paper;
  • Health and legal documents;
  • Homeowners/renters and auto insurance information;
  • Cash (smaller denominations).

Personal Care

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, oral care;
  • Pre-moistened wipes (hand, body);
  • Deodorant;
  • Hand sanitizer;
  • Incontinence supplies, if needed.

Additional Items

  • Seasonal protection (warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sunscreen)
    Spare house and car keys;
  • Plastic bags (for wet items) ;
  • _______________________
  • _______________________
  • _______________________
  • _______________________

Conclusion

Gather these essential supplies in advance when it is easier to do. Searching for supplies at home or in a store when time is limited can be stressful. Also, consider any health supplies you may need while away from home.

Keep your go bag in a location where you can easily access it such as an entryway closet. Be sure to review and refresh your supplies every six months.

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Resources

Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). Emergency preparedness for older adults. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://acl.gov/emergencypreparedness

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/older-adults.html

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Older Adults.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/disaster-preparedness-and-recovery-older-adults

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/ready-gov_disaster-preparedness-guide-for-older-adults.pdf

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.