What to Pack in an Emergency Bag: A Calm, Practical Guide

July 7, 2026

An emergency bag holds the essentials you may need to take with you if you have to leave home. Home preparedness is broader: it also includes the supplies you keep at home. Start with your household’s needs and what each person can carry.

Two needs, two ways to pack

At home

Keep your household’s supplies accessible. Plan for water, food, warmth, light and information, and review the equipment you already have.

If you need to leave home

Choose what you can carry and reach easily. Adapt the bag to where you are going, your household and the instructions from the authorities. A home preparedness system does not automatically replace a personal evacuation bag.

What to pack in an emergency bag

Drinking water and a suitable container.
Food that can be eaten without cooking.
Warm clothing and protection from the weather.
A torch or headlamp and a way to charge your phone.
First aid supplies and your personal medicines.
Important documents, contact details on paper and payment options.
Hygiene supplies and anything children or pets need.

Keep the bag ready to use

Use a bag you can carry. Group and label the contents so other people in the household can find them. Keep it accessible, check expiry dates and replace anything you use.

Compare with what you have at home

Looking for equipment for home preparedness? Compare the contents of the Kapsel Core with what you already have. Check what you need to add and how the equipment is packed before choosing.

See what’s included in the Kapsel Core