Add: First aid kit Medications Battery pack More water
More options:
pocket-sized sewing kit if you have even basic knowledge of how to use one
a pocket knife and/or scissors
Swiss army knife or sturdy multitool (they sell trendy, cheap quality ones that will break immediately)
if rope is too bulky at least keep around those paracord lanyards/bracelets which are compact and meant to be unraveled
optionally, tinfoil for outdoor cooking, extending radio antenna range, and even keeping warm if crucial
consider socks essential in the “undergarment” category
a roll of toilet paper or large packet of tissues in the “sanitary napkins” category
expanding on “battery pack,” a charged portable power bank with usb ports etc to charge devices. A friend gave me a pocket sized one, and we purchased a larger one with jumper cables and electrical outlets
some type of analog entertainment, especially for kids; deck of cards, a coloring book and crayons, miniature board games, travel versions of holy books, i.e. whatever you think would keep you sane
You’d be surprised how many of these items, including tough nylon bags to carry them, are just laying around in thrift stores and yard sales. Most of my emergency equipment was free/cheap while still perfectly brand new. People buy excess stuff for camping trips like lanterns and fire starting kits, and then never use them. Take advantage of that if it is best for you.
Your circumstances and what you can grab fast may vary. Sometimes evacuation is possible, sometimes hunkering down is the only option, but either way keep this go-bag in an accessible place.
