Earthquakes in Japan. Ongoing violent conflict in the Middle East and escalating threats worldwide should prompt international travellers to prepare for the possibility of a hasty departure. Travellers worldwide should register with their embassy, ensure all documents like passports and visas are in order, make certain financial resources are available to book unscheduled, urgent travel, keep a low profile, and consider packing an accessible go bag.
Whether you are travelling to a potentially dangerous region or already in one, preparing a go-bag packed with key items will increase your likelihood of survival when it is necessary to immediately relocate to a safer area or depart the region at less than a moment’s notice.
A go bag is full of things you’ll want with you in an emergency when you have to drop everything and make a run for it. It’s small and light, like a knapsack, so you can grab it and go quickly and easily. It contains essentials for communications, cash, documents, food, water, navigation, first aid and clothing.
Communications
You probably have a cell phone, but service could easily be down in an emergency. Consider a two-way satellite communication device, if permitted in the region you visit, and signalling devices like a mirror and a whistle. Add in extra charging batteries. Remember, those devices may fail due to loss of charge or jamming. Add a small notebook with pencils.
Cash, Passport and Contact Info
Keep a sufficient amount of emergency cash in both local currency and a widely accepted international currency. ATMs and banking systems may be inaccessible during or after an emergency. Carry backup credit or debit cards if your primary card gets lost, stolen or compromised.
Ensure your passport, identification, and any necessary travel documents are readily accessible. Keep them in a waterproof and secure location. Use re-sealable sliding channel storage bags, like Ziploc bags, to keep items waterproof. Carry a list of emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, embassy or consulate contact details, and the phone numbers of your loved ones back home.
Food and Water
Water is essential. Ideally, you need a gallon a day per person. No one could carry that much with them, so you’ll want water treatment supplies to purify and filter water. You can boil water, use chlorine and iodine, or a UV light purifier. Pack an aluminium cup and a tough, lightweight plastic water bottle, like a Nalgene bottle, for water.
Add high-calorie food with a blend of protein, fat and carbs. Energy bars like RX Bars or LARABARs are a good choice. Bouillon cubes — either veggie or meat stock — have a two-year shelf life. You’ll be able to stay hydrated and have a small amount of nourishment, and the warmth of broth is a morale booster. Pack multiple fire-making devices – like a lighter, matches or fire starters – for warmth, signalling and boiling water. Store them in a waterproof bag.
Navigation and Tools
Mistakes can be made no matter how well you know the area or terrain. Include navigation tools like a GPS device, a map and a compass. Include a small, powerful flashlight with extra batteries and a headlamp since it leaves your hands free. Including a multi-tool, like a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman, and a plastic camping spoon is a good idea.
First Aid
A stripped-down first aid kit includes essentials: a Sam splint, some Ace bandages and gauze pads of various sizes, a tourniquet and a compression device that could be a lifesaver when stopping blood flow. Remember to include adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointments like Neosporin, lip balm like Chapstick and similar things for minor injuries that could worsen if left untreated.
Toss in a few N95 masks to prevent inhaling dust, ash or any other particulate matter caused by the emergency. Remember to pack over-the-counter and prescription medications you take regularly. Add a small supply of pain relievers, antacids or decongestants to your first aid kit.
Clothing and Hygiene
Pack a change of clothes matched to the season. Include rain or warm weather gear based on your location. Space blankets of lightweight Mylar are easy to pack and can double as a reflective device. Consider your area and choose the most appropriate type of glove. Work gloves in case you have to move debris and another pair for warmth, waterproofing, agility, durability and usability.
Sewer and water utilities may not be in service during an emergency, so include moist towels, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation and hygiene. Add a compact toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste.
Mistakes to Avoid
There is no such thing as a “one-size fits all” comprehensive Go Bag. If you try to prepare for every possible circumstance,, your Go Bag will be too big and heavy. It’s crucial to stay informed about the local emergency procedures and listen to instructions from local authorities during an international emergency.
Taking these precautions will enhance your safety and preparedness when travelling internationally. If your emergency kit is well-equipped, your ability to get through a complex emergency will be more successful.
Written by: Harding Bush
BIO:
Harding Bush is a former Navy SEAL and manager of security operations for Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.
