Unfortunately, the war between Ukraine and Russia is progressing and is causing more and more families to leave the country. The sight of the fleeing women, children and elderly people makes us think about what we should do even in such a terrible situation. Especially if you don't have a car and your luggage has to be limited, the question arises as to what is necessary and what is not. Emergency luggage is important not only in the event of war, but also in other crisis situations where you have to leave the house quickly (e.g. during floods or when an unexploded bomb from the Second World War is found). But how exactly should you put together an emergency backpack yourself? What should already be ready, what will be added at the end if the worst comes to the worst and what else should you take into account? Which things are essential, which are secondary or unnecessary? We summarize the most important things!
In such moments you shouldn't waste unnecessary time, which is why it's an advantage to always have part of our emergency luggage list already packed. Because in the hustle and bustle and with all the stress, you could quickly forget something important - even if you still have enough time during an evacuation, for example. The majority of you in theYou should pack an emergency backpack, it is non-perishable and can therefore always be ready. Everything else, as well as important papers that are otherwise stored elsewhere, are then added if necessary.
Pack an emergency bag in advance
Let's start with the emergency backpack packing list with things that can always be ready packed because they won't spoil over time. If you put together the emergency backpack yourself, you will need the following:
- Battery operated radio
You might be thinking, you have your cell phone with you. But as we all know, cell phone battery doesn't last very long and in the event of an evacuation or escape, you may not have the opportunity to charge it. The good old radio is a better option for staying up to date, as important information from the authorities is transmitted there. The radio's battery not only lasts longer, you can also replace it if necessary, as you can also do soReserve batteriesshould pack up. - Flashlight and batteries
Note: As you know, unused batteries will leak acid over time, making them unusable and could also dirty your bag. When storing batteries, remember to use them after a certain period of time and replace them with new ones.
- First aid kit
You should always have a first aid kit at home. Also get one if you are putting together your own emergency backpack. Here too, you should regularly check the shelf life of the medication and replace it if necessary. - Non-perishable foods, optional
If you want, you can also pack one or two cans (e.g. canned fish, corn, meat, ravioli). However, remember to check the shelf life regularly and to replace the product with a new one and consume it before the best-before date has expired. If necessary, you can also pack water treatment tablets. They take up little space.
- Sleeping bag or blanket, possibly a sleeping mat (the so-called bivouack bag can also be very practical)
- Dinnerware and cutlery
- Hygiene items for a few days, e.g. monthly hygiene, diapers, toothbrush (possibly even toothpaste), toilet paper, tissues
- Protective mask/respirator
- SOS capsules
The so-called SOS capsules are available in department stores, drugstores and pharmacies and contain the name and address of the wearer. They are very important, especially for children. You can also write down other important information there, such as blood type and any chronic diseases. Alternatively, a simple breast pocket is also suitable.
What goes into the bag immediately before the evacuation/escape?
Food and personal medication, drinking water and some papers are among the things that will only be packed in a crisis situation if you put together your emergency backpack yourself. Otherwise they will spoil or they will be stored/used somewhere else in everyday life. But you have to think about them when you pack up everything to leave your house. This is what goes into the family's escape backpack at the end:
- Personal medications
You do not need to store medicines that you need to take regularly in your bag. In any case, your doctor will only prescribe you as much as you need for a certain period of time. Bunkering is rarely possible, but don't forget it when you put together your emergency backpack yourself before leaving the house/apartment! - Food for 2 days, packed dustproof, sufficientdrinking water
- Clothes for a few daysand according to the weather – underwear, headgear (hat or sunscreen), gloves
It is best to put your clothes together according to the onion principle. This means that everything from long to short clothing should be included so that you can dress warmer if necessary or wear less when it is hot. So plan several layers: underwear, T-shirts, shorts, long pants, fabric jackets/sweaters and jacket/coat. Sturdy shoes or rubber boots are also important, as is a raincoat.
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- Cosmetics, such as toothpaste, sunscreen, wet wipes
- ID card and passport
- Medical card(insurance) andVaccination certificate
- cashand credit or otherCash cards
- important keys(Front door keys, car keys – your own and those of other family members)
- Handy
We have now summarized the most important things in an emergency backpack contents list. If weight permits or you will be traveling by car, you may be able to add other items, such as a camp stove.
We explain which foods and things you should always have at home in crisis situationsin this article. There you will also find out which important medications belong in the emergency kit.
