Every year, the Philippines faces dozens of storms — and sometimes, it only takes a BIG one to remind us how unpredictable life can be.
Just this week, as another typhoon makes landfall, I found myself checking if my emergency go bag kit was still complete. Because when the wind starts howling and the lights begin to flicker, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for batteries, medicine, or food.
That’s when I realized — if you haven’t built your go bag yet, now is the perfect time to start.
Why Every Filipino Needs a Go Bag
From sudden floods to long power outages, emergencies can happen without warning. A go bag (also called a bug-out bag or evacuation kit) is a ready-to-grab backpack filled with essentials you’ll need to survive for at least 72 hours.
Think of it as your life-saving backpack — something that helps you move fast and stay safe when time and power are not on your side.
Having a go bag kit in the Philippines isn’t about paranoia. It’s about preparedness. Because as we’ve seen, a few hours of heavy rain can quickly turn into evacuation notices, stranded roads, and closed stores.
What to Put in Your Emergency Go Bag
Here’s a simple, practical go bag checklist to get you started. You can adjust depending on your family’s needs — and add the specific products you prefer later.
1. First Aid and Medicine
When hospitals are crowded or roads are blocked, a small first aid kit can save lives.
Include:
- Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and tape
- Tweezers, scissors, and safety pins
- Pain relievers, antihistamines, and your personal maintenance meds
- Alcohol or disinfectant spray
🔦 2. Light and Power
The first thing to go during typhoons? Electricity.
Pack:
- A rechargeable flashlight or solar lantern
- Power bank (preferably with solar or hand-crank charging)
- Extra batteries
🥫 3. Food and Water
Store food that doesn’t spoil easily and doesn’t require cooking.
- Bottled water or collapsible water container
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Canned goods, biscuits, or ready-to-eat meals
- Utensils, can opener, and paper cups
👕 4. Clothing and Shelter
Keep yourself warm and dry during evacuation.
- Extra clothes and underwear sealed in a zip bag
- Raincoat or poncho
- Blanket or emergency sleeping bag
- Small tarp or foldable tent
🔧 5. Tools and Survival Gear
You never know when a simple tool could make a big difference.
- Multi-tool or Swiss knife
- Whistle and lighter
- Rope or paracord
- Duct tape and mini shovel
📱 6. Communication and Identification
Stay connected and ready for updates.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Fully charged power bank
- Extra SIM card and small load card
- Photocopies of IDs, birth certificates, and important documents
- Emergency contact list with local numbers (barangay, fire, police, relatives)
🧼 7. Hygiene and Comfort
Even during disasters, hygiene keeps you healthy and sane.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer and tissue
- Face mask and alcohol spray
- Feminine hygiene items
- Small towel and comb
🐾 8. Don’t Forget Pets and Kids
If you have pets, pack their food, leash, vaccination card, and a small blanket.
For kids, include milk, diapers, snacks, and their favorite toy for comfort.
Final Tips for Typhoon Preparedness
Check your go bag every 6 months. Rotate food, replace expired meds, and recharge your batteries.
Keep one in your home and car. Emergencies can happen anywhere.
Talk to your family. Everyone should know where the bag is and what’s inside.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
You can’t control the weather — but you can control how ready you are.
Building your own emergency go bag kit is one of the smartest, simplest ways to protect yourself and your family from unexpected disasters in the Philippines.
So before the next one turns into another headline, start packing your essentials today. Because when the storm comes, preparedness is peace of mind.