Get Home Kits: Your First Line of Defense in an Emergency

May 28, 2025

Because getting home safe is the first step to surviving any crisis.

At Ready & Prepped, we talk a lot about being ready for anything. But emergencies don’t always strike when we’re at home with all our gear neatly stowed in a closet. Sometimes they hit when we’re at work, stuck in traffic, or even dropping the kids off at school. That’s where Get Home Kits come in.

These kits are exactly what they sound like—compact, practical emergency bags designed to help you get home safely if disaster strikes when you’re away. Whether it’s a power grid failure, a natural disaster, or a transportation shutdown, your Get Home Kit gives you the tools to navigate the unexpected.

Why You Need a Get Home Kit

Emergencies don’t wait until it’s convenient. Imagine these scenarios:

A major earthquake hits while you're at the office.
A sudden snowstorm shuts down the roads during your commute.
A power outage strands you miles from home with no cell signal.

You might not be able to drive. Public transportation could be down. Your only option might be to walk home—or shelter somewhere overnight. A Get Home Kit ensures you’re not doing that unprepared.

What to Include in Your Get Home Kit

Here’s a Ready & Prepped-approved list of Get Home Kit essentials:

Bag

Small, discreet backpack – Nothing tactical-looking. Keep it low-profile to avoid unwanted attention.

Navigation

Printed map of your local area (including alternate routes)
Compass or GPS device
Pen and notepad (to leave messages or take notes)

Footwear and Clothing

Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Extra socks (blisters are no joke!)
Weather-appropriate clothing – gloves, hat, rain poncho, etc.
Reflective vest or flashlight for visibility at night

Water and Snacks

Water bottle or collapsible canteen
Water purification tablets
High-calorie snacks like energy bars, nuts, jerky

Tools and Essentials

Multi-tool
Flashlight (with extra batteries or a crank-powered one)
Lighter and waterproof matches
Duct tape (you’d be amazed what it can fix)

Hygiene and First Aid

Mini first aid kit
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Toilet paper or tissues
Prescription meds (a 24-hour supply)

Communication and Cash

Portable phone charger or power bank
Emergency contact card
Small amount of cash (small bills)

For Kids and Teens

If you’re prepping a Get Home Kit for a child or teen:

Add a comfort item (small toy, stress ball)
Include parent contact info, a map with a marked route, and a rehearsed plan. Check out this article on How to Create An Emergency Plan
Make sure they know where to go and what to do if they can’t reach you right away. Check out this article on how to create a family communications plan.

Pro Tips from Ready & Prepped

Check your kit every 6 months. Rotate out expired snacks, dead batteries, and weather-specific clothing.
Practice your route. Walk or bike home from work or school once a year to test your kit—and your endurance.
Keep your kit at arm’s reach. In a desk drawer, car trunk, or locker—somewhere you can grab and go.

Final Thoughts

Disasters are chaotic. Your Get Home Kit is your anchor in the storm. It's not about paranoia—it’s about practicality. If an emergency separates you from home and family, you want every advantage on your side. Ready & Prepped is here to make sure you have them.

Remember: Prepared doesn’t mean scared. It means smart. No fuss, no fluff, no fear.

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