Gowanus Lounge: Serving Brooklyn

Stormy Weather Part I: Go Bag Season Cometh

April 16th, 2007 · No Comments

Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again. The Nor’easter and all the emails from the Office of Emergency Management got us to thinking about Go Bags. You know, the emergency bag you’re supposed to keep around in case you have to run for your life? (Brooklyn, take note, under the wrong circumstances, about one-third of the borough would have to high tail it to higher ground.)

Here’s what’s supposed to be in your Go Bag, as per OEM’s fun-filled website:

  • Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)
  • Extra set of car and house keys
  • Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations. We recommend you keep at least $50-$100 on hand.
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
  • Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Medication information and other essential personal items. If you store extra medication in your Go Bag, be sure to refill it before it expires.
  • First-aid kit
  • Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map
  • Child care supplies or other special care items

We’re, frankly, a little surprised that no one’s stepped in to fill the clear void for, you know, cool, hipster Go Bags. It’s always important to look good, even when you’re running for your life or lining up for food packages from the back of a Red Cross truck.

Tags: Preparedness · Storms