72‑Hour Go‑Bag / Evacuation Kit Guide

72‑Hour Go‑Bag / Evacuation Kit Guide (PrepPro Australia)

Your 72‑hour Go‑Bag is your personal survival kit designed to sustain you and your family for at least three days during an emergency evacuation. Whether it’s a bushfire, flood, storm, heatwave, blackout, or unexpected emergency—your Go‑Bag ensures you can leave quickly and stay safe.

🎒 1. What Is a 72‑Hour Go‑Bag?

A Go‑Bag contains self‑contained essentials you can grab instantly in an emergency. Your kit should be:

  • Ready at all times — stored near your exit, car, or bedroom door.
  • Easy to carry — backpack, duffel bag, or modular pouches.
  • Light enough to move quickly.
  • Personalised for each household member (plus pets).

🟦 2. Core Survival Essentials (Must Include)

  • Water — minimum 3 litres per person per day.
  • Food — 72 hours of non‑perishable, ready‑to‑eat items (muesli bars, nuts, canned goods, dried fruit).
  • Medications — 7‑day supply in a waterproof pouch.
  • First‑Aid Kit — bandages, antiseptic, blister care, pain relief.
  • Portable power banks — fully charged.
  • Battery or hand‑crank torch (avoid candles).
  • Multi‑tool (pliers, blade, screwdriver, etc.).
  • Dust masks (P2/N95 preferred).
  • Fully charged phone + charging cable.

🟩 3. Clothing & Personal Items

  • Change of clothes — lightweight + warm layers.
  • Sturdy shoes — enclosed footwear.
  • Wide‑brim hat & sun protection.
  • Rain jacket / poncho.
  • Personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, sanitary items, soap sheets.
  • Towel or compact microfibre cloth.

🟧 4. Important Documents (Waterproof)

Store printed OR USB/digital copies in a waterproof pouch:

  • ID: licences, passports
  • Medical info: allergies, prescriptions, action plans
  • Insurance details
  • Property documents
  • Emergency contacts list
  • Banking & financial essentials

🟥 5. Practical Gear for Evacuation

  • Whistle (for signalling)
  • Glow sticks (safe lighting)
  • Local maps (paper)
  • Duct tape
  • Paracord or strong rope
  • Emergency blanket (space blanket)
  • Small tarp (weather protection)
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Water purification tablets or filter straw

🐾 6. Pet Go‑Bag Essentials

  • Pet food (3 days)
  • Water supply
  • Leash/harness
  • Carrier/crate
  • Medications & vet records
  • Waste bags / litter
  • Pet ID + recent photo

🟫 7. Kids & Baby Add‑Ons

  • Nappies & wipes
  • Formula & bottles
  • Comfort item (toy/blanket)
  • Extra snacks
  • Child‑friendly identification card

⚡ 8. Optional Additions (Highly Useful)

  • Portable AM/FM radio
  • Thermal layers
  • Notebook + pen
  • Small camping stove (outdoor use only)
  • Solar lantern

🚨 9. How to Store & Maintain Your Go‑Bag

  • Keep it near your exit or in your vehicle.
  • Check & rotate food every 6 months.
  • Recharge power banks monthly.
  • Update documents annually.
  • Ensure every family member knows where the bag lives.

⚠️ 10. When to Use Your Go‑Bag

Grab your Go‑Bag when you face any of the following:

  • Evacuation orders (Bushfire, Flood, Cyclone)
  • Sudden extreme weather
  • Severe power outages
  • Structural damage to home
  • Medical emergencies

⚠️ PrepPro Disclaimer

This guide provides general preparedness information based on best‑practice emergency planning. Always follow local authorities and emergency services for official direction.