When I first heard about the idea of having an Emergency Go Bag for OFWs in Taiwan, I didn’t take it seriously. I thought disasters were rare, and I assumed help would always arrive quickly. But after experiencing my first earthquake here—and watching news about typhoons and regional tensions—I realized how fast things can change. When an emergency strikes, you don’t get extra time to pack. You grab what’s there and you go.
That’s why I built my own Go Bag, also known here in Taiwan as a “72-hour bag.” It’s a small, ready-to-grab survival pack that can keep me safe for three days. For OFWs living alone like us, it’s not paranoia. It’s preparedness.
The First Thing I Packed: Identity and Proof That I Belong Here
The scariest part of any crisis is losing control. If my passport or ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) gets misplaced, burned, or soaked, I could be in bigger trouble than the disaster itself. So the very first thing I packed in my Go Bag were my documents and IDs:
- Passport, ARC, and work permit (plus photocopies)
- Emergency contact sheet with Taiwan and Philippine hotlines
- A small amount of cash in both NT$ and US$
If systems go down and ATMs fail, cash becomes king. I don’t want to be hungry, stranded, or stuck because I can’t make a small purchase.
Food and Water: The Most Basic, Yet Most Forgotten
I used to underestimate how much water I needed. But during disasters, water lines can break and stores can close. So I packed three liters of bottled water, enough for 72 hours. For food, I chose things that don’t spoil fast: biscuits, canned goods, and energy bars. I also added a manual can opener because I don’t want to shake a can in frustration when I’m already stressed.
Health and Safety Gave Me Peace of Mind
When I built my Go Bag, I imagined one scenario: what if I needed to evacuate in the middle of the night? I wouldn’t have time to search for medicine, alcohol, or a flashlight. So I packed:
- A small first-aid kit and 7-day supply of my prescription medicines
- Face masks, alcohol, and sanitizer
- A flashlight, whistle, and extra batteries
Even the whistle matters. If I’m trapped or separated from the group, I want rescuers to find me fast.
Communication and Power
In Taiwan, earthquakes, typhoons, and drills can cause power outages. That’s why my Go Bag includes a fully charged power bank and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. If cellphone signals go down but local advisories are broadcast through radio, at least I won’t be left in the dark.
Clothing and Shelter: Staying Dry, Warm, and Protected
If I have to relocate or stay at a shelter, I don’t want to sit in wet clothes or shiver all night. So I packed:
- An extra set of clothes
- Sturdy shoes
- A raincoat
- An emergency blanket
These don’t take much space, but they make a huge difference in comfort and survival.
Hygiene Essentials: Still Important Even in Chaos
I also keep a toothbrush, soap, wipes, sanitary pads, a small towel, and trash bags in a pouch. Hygiene prevents sickness, and in a crowded evacuation site, that matters more than we think. I also saved digital copies of MECO and DMW advisories so I know what to follow during emergencies.
When an Emergency Go Bag Truly Matters for OFWs in Taiwan
If you’re wondering when this bag becomes useful, let me share real situations where it can change everything:
- Earthquake Evacuations – Taiwan is on the Ring of Fire. Sometimes you need to leave the building now, not in 5 minutes.
- Typhoons and Flooding – Power and water interruptions can last hours or days.
- Military Drills and Heightened Tensions – If the government orders OFWs to gather, your bag lets you move fast.
- Transport Disruptions or Stranded Travel – You can survive airport or station delays without panicking.
- Company-Directed Relocation – Some employers move workers temporarily during emergencies.
Preparedness gives confidence. Instead of waiting, I can act.
Practical Tips from a Fellow OFW
I learned to:
- Keep the Go Bag light and near the door
- Update food, water, and medicines every 6 months
- Ask my employer about emergency plans
- Stay registered with MECO for alerts
Final Thoughts
My Emergency Go Bag for OFWs in Taiwan is not just a bag. It’s my lifeline. I don’t pray for disasters to happen, but I refuse to be unprepared ever again. If the day comes when I have to move fast, I want to survive, stay calm, and find my way back home.
Start building yours today. The best time to prepare is before you need it.