Ready for the next extreme-weather catastrophe? Pack a'go bag'

If the trend continues, extreme weather will occur more frequently. Here's how experts suggest you prepare

- SHANNON SIMS

EXTREME WEATHER IS happening more frequently across the country, as we have seen this year with hurricane Helene's catastrophic impact on Asheville, North Carolina, November's wildfires in New York and New Jersey and this month's fast-spreading Malibu fire.

More and more people are looking for a way to protect themselves from the next hurricane, tornado, flash flood or fire. Fortunately, there's an affordable and easy way to be better prepared: by packing an extreme-weather go bag.

An extreme-weather go bag is an emergency kit you can keep in your home or car some people make one for each that's filled with items that can quickly become invaluable during a crisis, or if you have to evacuate. A properly packed go bag will have the essentials for at least 72 hours, as recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, US. It will eliminate the panic of wondering what to bring with you, and it may end up saving your life.

So what should go into your 72-hour extreme-weather go bag? Here's an emergency kit list published by the FEMA and the American Red Cross on the go-bag contents to the most essential items.

1. Cash Cash is king during an emergency.

Without power, many businesses can't run credit cards. And if phone networks aren't working, you won't be able to use an Apple Wallet either. So pack enough cash for at least three days, and overestimate when in doubt. Experts recommend anything from $500 to $1,500 per person. Be sure to have smaller bills - it isn't easy to break a hundred during a hurricane.

2. Copies of important documents