The American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Branch on June 11 posted on Facebook tips for preparing an emergency “go bag” with essentials such as important documents and a first aid kit. A US government spokesperson later said the social media post was created due to Taiwan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and emphasized the importance of individual disaster preparedness. Located in a seismic zone, Taiwan often finds itself faced with sudden natural disasters. In such critical moments, it is not external assistance that would truly protect us, but emergency “go bags” we have prepared in advance.
Drinking water, basic food, first-aid supplies, essential medications, copies of identification and other important documents, cash, a flashlight, a power bank, warm clothing and personal hygiene items — although inconspicuous, these items become crucial in times of power outages and water shortages. Before aid arrives, they can support us through the first 72 hours after a disaster.
Where should you store your emergency “go bag”? This is an important detail. If it is hidden somewhere deep in a closet, you might not have time to access it during an emergency. Experts recommend placing it close to an exit such as the front door, or beside a garage — locations you can easily access within seconds should an earthquake or other disaster strike, thereby buying precious time to safely evacuate.
Previous international experience proves this point. During Japan’s Great Hanshin Earthquake — a magnitude 7.3 quake that struck the city of Kobe on Jan. 17, 1995 — many people who had prepared emergency “go bags” for such disasters were able to use flashlights to escape in the dark, bandage wounds in time, and even use radios to receive accurate information and move to designated safe locations. These experiences prompted the Japanese government and society to deepen disaster prevention education, emphasizing that self-rescue begins with adequate preparedness.
The experiences of Taiwanese disaster survivors further highlight the importance of emergency preparedness. Survivors of the 921 Earthquake — which struck central Taiwan on Sept. 21, 1999, and measured 7.3 on the Richter scale — have said that if they had prepared flashlights and shoes by their bedside, they could have avoided many falls and cuts. The Hualien County Government has distributed emergency kits during earthquake anniversary events, later indicating that the supplies indeed played a vital role while citizens waited for rescue and evacuation.
Many European countries have long considered preparing household emergency “go bags” to be common sense. The Norwegian government proactively distributes emergency preparedness checklists to all citizens, recommending that each household stockpile at least a one-week supply of food, water and lighting equipment. Switzerland has established a national culture of civil defense, ensuring that every household has disaster prevention supplies. These practices are not a result of excessive paranoia, but rather about integrating risk management into everyday life.
It is impossible to predict when disaster will strike, but advanced preparation prevents regrets. Preparing an emergency “go bag” offers an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. This is not about instilling fear, but safeguarding the dignity of life.
Now is the best time to prepare. Near the entrance to your home should sit an emergency “go bag” — one not only filled with necessary supplies, but with the confidence to remain calm and composed in the face of disaster. Disaster prevention should not be about regret after the disaster — it is a choice made before disaster strikes.
Dino Wei is an engineer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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