Emergency bag: what to pack if you have to leave your home
Updated · 5 min read
New here? Start with our overview of home readiness: what to have ready, and why.
Most crises are about staying at home and managing on your own for three days.[3] But in a flood or a fire, for example, you may need to leave an area quickly. An evacuation can happen fast, so it is a good idea to have thought in advance about what you would take with you.[1]
In short: Think it through now, and keep the most important items and documents in one place where you can find them quickly.[1] Then all you have to do is grab the bag if it comes to that.
The packing list
The Swedish authorities' crisis portal, Krisinformation.se, has a packing list for evacuation. It works well in Denmark too; we have only swapped Sweden's BankID for Denmark's MitID.[1]
The essentials
- ID documents
- Medicine and prescriptions
- Aids: glasses, contact lenses, hearing aid, pill organiser, rollator
- Mobile phone and charger, plus one for the car
- Keys
- Bank cards and cash
- MitID (app or code display)
- European Health Insurance Card
For the stay
- Something to eat and drink
- Warm clothes
- Toiletries
- Battery or hand-crank radio with spare batteries
- Computer and charger
Documents and overview
- A list of important phone numbers on paper
- Insurance documents for home, people, vehicles and pets
- Vehicle registration, title deeds, marriage certificate and a list of bank accounts
- Map and compass
The list is long, but you carry much of it every day anyway. What takes time in a stressful situation is the paperwork, so gather it in a folder now.
Phone numbers on paper
If your phone isn't working or the battery is flat, it helps to have the most important numbers written down.[1] Denmark's emergency agency suggests keeping them on the fridge, for example, and being aware of whether people around you need help.[3]
If you have to leave
If you hear the warning sirens, go inside and look for information through DR or TV 2. When the danger has passed, the sirens sound again to let you know.[2] Only call 1-1-2 in an emergency, so the line stays free for life-or-death calls.[3]
A battery or hand-crank radio keeps you updated even when the mobile network is down.[1] See how to choose an emergency radio.
The rest of your readiness
See what the authorities recommend your household keeps ready at home.
For the full list of what to keep at home, read on here: Emergency supply list: what to keep at home
Frequently asked questions
What goes in an emergency bag?
The essentials are ID documents, medicine and aids such as glasses and hearing aids, phone and charger, keys, bank cards and cash, warm clothes, something to eat and drink, and a battery or hand-crank radio. Keep a list of important phone numbers on paper too.
Should the bag be packed in advance?
The most important thing is to think it through in advance and keep important items and documents in one place where you can find them quickly.
How will I know if I have to leave?
If you hear the warning sirens, go inside and look for information from DR or TV 2. Follow the authorities' instructions.
Sources
- [1]Krisinformation.se, the Swedish authorities' crisis portal: Evacuation, how it works (2026-09-27)
- [2]Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen): Public warnings in case of emergencies
- [3]Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen): Prepared for crises