Calm, practical preparedness for 72 hours. Based on official civil-protection advice.

Grab-and-go bag: an evacuation kit you can carry

A grab-and-go bag holds what you need for the first 24–72 hours if you have to leave home quickly because of a flood, fire or gas leak. Keep it light enough to carry, by the door. Budget €60–€120 plus what you own.

Quick answer
What it’s forGrab-and-go bagOne per person, kept near the front door.
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Essentials only9 itemsAbout €71–€155 if you buy them all
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Full kit budget€60–€120Including recommended extras
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The checklist

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  • Light enough to carry for an hour.

    Essential€20–€45Find it
  • Enough for the first hours.

    Essential€2–€5Find it
  • Light, long-life calories.

    Essential€8–€15Find it
  • In a waterproof pouch.

    Essential€6–€15Find it
  • Plus a copy of prescriptions.

    EssentialUse what you have
  • With fresh batteries.

    Essential€10–€25Find it
  • Small and light.

    Essential€15–€30Find it
  • Pocket-sized version.

    Essential€10–€20Find it
  • Keeps you and the bag dry.

    Recommended€5–€12Find it
  • Warmth and signalling.

    Recommended€5–€12Find it
  • Dry socks matter more than you think.

    RecommendedUse what you have
  • House and car.

    EssentialUse what you have
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Tips

  • Keep it under 8 kg (18 lb) for adults.
  • Agree a meeting point with your family outside the neighbourhood.
  • Photograph your documents and store them encrypted in the cloud too.

Questions people ask

How heavy should a grab-and-go bag be?

Light enough to walk with for an hour: under about 8 kg (18 lb) for an adult, less for children.

Where should I keep it?

Near the main exit, where every member of the household knows to find it.

Related kits

Sources

  1. European Commission: Preparedness Union Strategy, March 2025
  2. Germany, Federal Office of Civil Protection (BBK): emergency preparedness guide
  3. Netherlands government: Denk vooruit