What is a grab-bag and why should I consider having one for emergencies

If you've never heard of a grab-bag, here is why you should consider having one

A grab-bag should contain essentials to help you survive for up to 72 hours. Picture: iStock.

You can never predict when a disaster will strike. And while we are fortunate here in Ireland not to experience too many severe weather events, the recent cold snap reminded us that being prepared is always a good idea.

When emergencies happen, you need to be prepared quickly. And while most of us would have our important documents to hand, we may not have everything we need in an emergency ready to go.

That’s why it’s a good idea to consider preparing a grab-bag or go-bag ahead of time for short-term survival in unexpected events.

It will save you from scrambling around the house searching for essential items during a stressful situation like an evacuation.

What is a grab-bag?

A grab-bag is a small backpack that you can fill with essentials to carry with you in an emergency situation such as a severe weather event, power outage or evacuation.

The bag is designed for 72-hour emergencies or less, and its contents will help you survive long enough to reach a secure location or to return home.

The size of a grab bag depends on several factors, including the length of time the bag is needed to last, the number of people the contents of the pack will cover, and the height and fitness level of the person carrying the bag.

It’s important to choose a comfortable bag with functional features, so you can carry your equipment for days without discomfort.

A 30L to 50L size rucksack should be considered when choosing a bag for your grab-bag essentials.

What should I pack in my grab-bag?

When you’re thinking about putting together a list of things for your go-bag, it’s easy to gather too much and over-pack.

Essentials such as important documents - passport or birth cert - should be the first thing to consider when preparing your grab-bag.

Other essentials such as packaged foods, protein bars, cash, portable power banks and hand crank chargers, flashlights, batteries, waterproof gear, a first aid kit including disinfectant wipes, insect repellent, a hygiene kit, toilet paper, a fixed-blade knife, fire blanket, printed and laminated map of the area, compass, whistle, sleeping mag, warm gloves, and a change of clothes should also be considered when packing your grab-bag.

List of items to consider for your grab-bag

• Important documents
• Food (protein bars) 
• Water
• Cash 
• Portable power bank 
• Hand crank chargers 
• Flashlight 
• Batteries 
• Waterproof gear (jacket and pants) 
• First aid kit (including disinfectant wipes) 
• Insect repellent 
• Hygiene kit 
• Toilet paper 
• Fixed-blade knife 
• Fire blanket 
• Storm shelter 
• A laminated map of the area and a compass 
• Flask with warm drink/hot water
• Warm socks 
• Warm gloves 
• Whistle 
• Sleeping bag 
• Change of clothes 

It’s also a good idea to have a grab-bag of sorts that is kept in the boot of your car for situations where you might have a breakdown or may become trapped during a weather event and cannot return home.

The same rules apply when packing your grab-bag for your car - the essentials should take priority and it’s a good idea to have an extra blanket or two in there for extra heat and comfort if needed!