Home > Get Ready Challenge > Stage Three > Pack Your Grab Bag
HEY! We will be at Leura Fair this weekend 10-11 October. Bring your burning questions!
In this task we give you suggested packing lists, then a fun family competition to test your packing speed.
Every member of your family should have their own grab bag. This is a bag, box or suitcase of essentials that will get you through a few days – think of it like packing for a summer holiday – plus any items that would cause you hassle or heartbreak to lose.
For kids, that might mean favourite toys. For adults, it’s essentials like documents, medications, ATM cards, and a small selection of irreplaceables.
For everyone, it means remembering to pack spare undies.
Your grab bags should be ready so that if conditions reach one of your triggers to leave you can pick it up, load the car and go. The order of play for this task:
- Make a list now
- Make sure everything on your list is where you expect it to be
- Pack your grab bags when there’s a fire threat
- Keep them in a convenient spot so you can grab and go
So, what should be in your grab bag?
Meet the “Average” Family
Take a peek inside their bags for ideas of what you’ll need in yours.
John & Jan Average
The responsible adults.
As well as their own basics, they need to make sure they cover the rest of the family’s needs. As they don’t own a removal truck they have to be super selective about what gets packed.
They start with the essentials:
- Mobile phones and chargers
- ATM cards and cash – at least enough to buy a tank of fuel and a couple of meals
- Medications and prescriptions
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, face cloth)
- Changes of clothes
- Drinking water (3 litres per person per day)
- Snacks (muesli bars, fruit cups, or tins and opener)
Next, some supplies for happy parenting:
- Books, games and stuff to fill in time – colouring books don’t need batteries!
- Baby supplies (nappies, food, wipes)
Irreplaceables:
- A folder of Certificates, Passports etc
- Backup hard drive or SD card with family photos and scans of documents
- Photo booklet (helps kids talk about happy times – also useful if separated)
- Small family heirlooms, jewellery, medals or keepsakes
Jessie
Jessie is a handful, with lots of energy.
His grab bag will need to fit some activities and games that he’ll want to play, and favorite toys to help him feel at home.
- Spare clothes and underwear
- Favourite toy or game
- Snacks he chooses himself
- Toothbrush
- Tablet/iPad/game console (plus charger – and check your data)
Jaz
Jaz is a million miles away with her headphones on and her nose in a book. She probably won’t know there’s a problem until her folks tap her on the shoulder.
Being a bit older, she’s ready for some extra responsibilities, so they ask her to get the pet’s essentials together too.
Her grab bag:
- Spare clothes and underwear
- A couple of favourite books
- Phone, charger, headphones
- Toothbrush
- A few pet essentials
Pupper
The family dog.
He’d love to help but keeps getting under everyone’s feet. Make sure he’s got:
- Lead, collar, tag with phone number, harness
- Drinking water and food
- Bowl/containers
- Bedding and a favourite toy
- Extra poop bags and towel
- Travel crate if he’s anxious
Kitty
Kitty likes sleeping and eating, she’s skittish and not keen to co-operate. They’ve been getting Kitty comfortable with her travel crate by encouraging her to spend time in it, placing favorite bedding and treats inside and leaving the door open for her to explore.
- Travel crate
- Bedding and spare towel
- Food, water and bowls
- Litter and tray
- Microchip details up to date
Pupper and Kitty’s needs will be covered in more detail in the next task.
Nanna Laura*
She’s not really nanna, but lives next door and is an honorary family member. She doesn’t drive and relies on the Average family for support. Her box of essentials is very similar to theirs, but they need to allow time to help her put everything together.
*There’s a rule that says most families will have a neighbour like this. It’s called the Laura Averages.
Her essentials:
- Spare clothes, undies, toiletries
- Medications, hearing aid batteries
- Phone and charger
- Important documents and keepsakes
- Your mobile and work numbers (and vice versa)
Family Fun Time: Pack Attack!
Gather the household and see how quickly you can each pack your grab bags.
- Who remembers the most?
- Who’s the fastest?
- Can you fit it all in the car?
- Imagine you’re unpacking at the other end. What did you forget?
It’s practice, but also a bit of competition. Try again and beat your time. Don’t forget the undies!
Next Steps
If you haven’t done it yet, go back a step and sort out your Emergency Kit – the shared kit of essentials that will see you through any crisis. And read up more on how to plan for your pets’ safety and comfort during a bushfire evacuation.