Stay-Bag Checklist: What to Keep Ready for Sheltering at Home

A stay-bag is the opposite of a go-bag. Instead of leaving the house quickly, you’re hunkering down for several days with limited ability to go outside—storms, chemical hazards, long power outages, or civil emergencies. This guide lays out exactly what you need packed and ready in one place.

If you expect to move from shelter-in-place to evacuation later, review Go-Bag Checklist.

1. Water and Filtration

Water becomes the first concern during extended indoor emergencies. Keep:

• Bottled water—at least 1 gallon per person per day
• Portable water filter (Sawyer, Lifestraw, etc.)
• Water purification tablets

For bulk storage options, check Water Storage Basics.

2. Food for 3–5 Days

Your stay-bag should include quick, no-prep food:

• Protein bars
• Canned soups and meals
• Peanut butter or nut butters
• Dried fruit

For a full pantry strategy, see Non-Perishable Food Basics.

3. Lighting and Power

Outages often accompany shelter-in-place orders. Pack:

• Flashlight and headlamp
• Battery-powered lantern
• Extra batteries
• High-capacity power bank

For more detail, see Power Outage Prep Basics.

4. Medical and Hygiene Essentials

Include items you may need for injuries or comfort:

• Basic first aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Sanitary supplies
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
• Toilet paper

Build on the core items from Home First Aid Kit Basics.

5. Air Quality and Safety Gear

Shelter-in-place events often involve poor air. Include:

• N95 masks
• Plastic sheeting and tape (for sealing)
• Gloves
• Basic dust masks for debris cleanup

For full instructions on sealing a room, read Shelter-in-Place Basics.

6. Communication Tools

Staying informed is critical. Pack:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Phone charger and cable
• Whistle for signaling inside large buildings

For a deeper communication strategy, see Communication During Emergencies.

7. Comfort and Practical Items

• Blanket or compact sleeping bag
• Notebook and pen
• Spare clothes
• Duct tape
• Deck of cards or simple entertainment

These keep morale up during long periods of isolation.

8. Keep Your Stay-Bag in One Spot

Store your stay-bag somewhere easy to reach—hallway closet, laundry room, or wherever your shelter-in-place room is located. The whole point is being able to grab everything in seconds without searching the house.

9. The Bottom Line

A stay-bag makes long indoor emergencies far less chaotic. Water, food, lighting, power, medical supplies, masks, and communication tools—kept in one dedicated bag—turn a stressful situation into something you can manage confidently.