What to Pack in an Emergency ‘Go Bag’
A practical, safety-focused checklist for what to pack if you might need to leave quickly due to abuse.
Go Bag Checklist
Intro
A “go bag” is a small, discreet bag with essentials you may want ready if you ever decide to leave quickly or need to stay somewhere else for a short time. You can adapt this list to your situation, your location, and what feels realistic and safe to gather.
You do not have to collect everything at once. Some people slowly add items over time or keep copies of documents in different safe places. You are the best judge of what is manageable and safe for you.
Essentials
You may want to consider including:
- Identification and key documents (originals or copies)
- Your ID or driver’s licence
- Passport or immigration documents
- Birth certificate
- Social security / national insurance or similar numbers
- Health insurance cards or numbers
- Any protective orders or court documents
- Important medical information (conditions, allergies, medications)
- Money and access to funds
- Some cash in small bills, if possible
- Bank card / prepaid card
- List of account numbers stored separately from cards
- Keys and access items
- House keys, car keys, work keys
- Spare phone (if safe and available)
- Backup phone charger and charging cable
- Basic clothing and personal care
- Change of clothes and underwear
- Comfortable shoes
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, menstrual products)
- Glasses or contact lenses and solution
- Health and medication
- At least a few days of any regular medications
- Copy of prescriptions, if available
- Simple first-aid items (bandages, pain relief, any essential medical items)
- Information and numbers
- Written list of important phone numbers in case your phone is lost or out of battery
- Addresses of safe places, shelters, or services you might use
- List of emergency contacts you trust
- Evidence and records (if safe to keep)
- Copies of threatening messages, emails, or call logs
- Photos or notes about incidents, dates, and injuries
- Any previous police reports or medical records
Children’s Items
If you have children, you might adapt the bag or prepare a separate small kit for them. Depending on age and what is safe, you could include:
- Identification and documents
- Birth certificates (or copies)
- Passports or immigration documents
- Health insurance cards or numbers
- Vaccination records and key medical information
- Any custody, parenting, or court orders related to the children
- Clothing and care items
- Change of clothes, underwear, and sleepwear
- Diapers, wipes, and cream if needed
- Basic toiletries suitable for your child’s age
- Health and comfort
- Regular medications and any medical devices
- Favorite small comfort item (toy, blanket, or stuffed animal)
- Snacks that keep well and a small water bottle
- School and daily life
- School contact information and ID cards, if any
- Homework or schoolwork if easily available
- List of people allowed to pick them up from school or daycare
Reminder: Your Safety Matters More Than Items
No checklist is more important than your safety in the moment. If you ever need to leave quickly, it is okay to leave without your go bag or any belongings. You have the right to protect yourself and your children, even if you cannot take documents, money, or personal items.
If it feels helpful, you can talk through your options with a local domestic abuse service, legal aid group, or trusted support person. You can also explore additional support options through resources listed at DV.Support.
You can adjust, shorten, or expand this checklist as your situation and safety needs change over time.