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Make a Go Bag

Whether you live, work, or play along the Oregon Coast, it is always a good idea to keep a bag of essential survival supplies, also called a “Go Bag,” handy. In the event of a local earthquake and tsunami, the city of Seaside will be isolated by landslides and collapsed bridges, and most public services and utilities will be inoperable. Large aid organizations like the Red Cross will likely focus on assisting large metropolitan areas first, leaving small communities on the coast to fend for themselves for days, perhaps even weeks. A Go Bag will be essential in such an event.

What you put in your Go Bag depends on your personal needs and the emergency you are anticipating. When preparing a Go Bag for a local tsunami evacuation, there are a few important things to consider:

Weight and bulk

Evacuation from a local earthquake and tsunami will likely need to be on foot, bicycle or quad. Keep in mind that you will need to carry your supplies to high ground, so your bag should not be too heavy or unwieldy.

Location

Having a Go Bag at home is a good first step, but in a local event you will not have time to go home and get it. It’s a good idea to keep a small kit in your car or office as well.

Packing List

Assemble an emergency supply kit that contains personal supplies for at least three days. Keep the kit compact, light weight, and accessible in the event you must evacuate immediately on foot.
At a minimum, an emergency supply should contain:

  • First Aid kit, prescriptions and non-prescription medication
  • Water bottle and treatment supplies capable of providing 1 gallon per person per day
  • Non-perishable food
  • Cooking and eating utensils, can opener, cook stove.
  • Waterproof matches, lighter or flint
  • Shelter (tent, tarp or poncho)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Portable NOAA weather radio
  • Flashlight or headlamp, and extra batteries
  • Warm clothing
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush)
  • Tools and supplies (pocket knife, shut-off wrench, duct tape, gloves, whistle, plastic bags)
  • Cash

For more information on Go Bags, see recommendations from the Red Cross.