Making a go bag in an area that is prone to floods is essential. Water created the Grand Canyon, so it is not playing around. It is a strong force that can definitely be scary. If floods hit your area it could be extremely stressful, but your flood go bag will make the event less chaotic. Go bags, also called bug out bags, are pretty much what they sound like. It's a bag or container filled with all the essentials you'll need if there's an emergency and you need to, well, go.
No matter which natural disaster you're prepping for, the first thing you will always want to do is to map out a clear, well-rehearsed evacuation plan that everyone in the family can execute. Don't rely on a single plan, make several ( it may seem like you're over planning but no such thing in this case so plan away) and make sure that the entire family knows what to do and especially how to contact each other if separated. Because your family might be separated you will want to have a meeting place that everyone knows. It can also be helpful to have a few places where family members can leave messages in case of separation. I find that relying on close familiar places works best like a church, corner store, school, or favorite park.
Once you have your evacuation plan set it's time to get to packing the go bag. Because it's a flood you're prepping for, before you get a single item you will want to get yourself a waterproof bag to pack all your emergency stuff in. The last thing you need is to have all the right stuff but you put it in a regular old bag and so everything gets destroyed. This is often called a dry bag. If you really have no access to a waterproof bag, make sure to store all your survival items in ziplock bags and seal them tight. Tip: might be helpful to also secure all the bags with some heavy duty tape for extra security. The key to a flood bag is to keep water out and all your items as dry as possible.
While we're on the subject of keeping dry, your flood go bag should be stocked with some accessories meant to keep you dry like ponchos, waterproof boots, waders and umbrellas. Another very important item to include is socks. While it may seem silly, wet feet can destroy any chance you have at a successful evacuation. Keep your feet as warm and dry as you can. If you get your feet wet, take the time to dry your feet and change socks.
Communication is going to be your first line of defense in any emergency. Pack an emergency weather radio capable of getting NOAA and local stations as well. A weather radio that also acts as a power bank that can charge your phone would also be helpful in keeping you informed of any changing weather/safety conditions. Also on that theme of keeping dry we dove into earlier: I recommend packing a bag of rice and a couple extra ziplock bags in case any precious electronics get wet.
Whether you are a good swimmer or not, I recommend including an anti-drowning device for the members of your family.They make bracelets you can wear and in the event that you are overcome by water, there's a rod or latch you can pull that will release a floating device that will automatically inflate and keep you from drowning. You can rest on the float and use a rescue whistle, which you should also pack, to signal for help. If you have the space another option is to pack some life jackets and water wings if you have small children.
Most of what we discussed so far pertains to floods but of course there are some items that should be standard whether your go bag is for a flood or any other natural disaster. You will need 3-days worth of food and water for each member of your household (suggested water is one gallon per person per day that will serve both for drinking and cleansing purposes). The water can be in bottles but we also suggest having some potable water tablets or other purifying devices, like a Life Straw. These can come in handy should you need to purify some water on the fly. In terms of food, you need to choose items that have a long shelf life and can be prepared and eaten with limited resources. Think of freeze-dried foods and MREs or Meals Ready To Eat. If you need some help choosing the best foods, we covered that in an earlier guide. If you have pets, don't forget to pack food for them as well.
Your go bag should also include a first aid kit, any current medications, 3 days of clothing and hygiene kits for family members. You will also want to have some N95 masks that are rated for dust and mold because when you return home you will need to wear a mask to protect your airway until the house has been thoroughly checked or repaired. Tip: stock up on these masks now because they will likely be sold out if there is a local emergency.
Hopefully you now have the right jumping off point to start prepping your household in case of a flood. Don't worry if it seems like a lot at first, just do a little at a time and you will see how smoothly it goes and all the while think of the relief you'll feel when an emergency is approaching and you know you're prepared.
