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Living on an emergency grab bag

Will a commercially made grab bag provide everything our test writer needs for three days away from home?

September 2022
Amy 5

By Amy McNabb

Test Data Analyst | Kaitātari Raraunga Whakamātautau

On this page

  • Day 1 - the kits
  • Day 2 - food and water
  • Day 3 - the good, the bad and the verdict

This report is free thanks to funding from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Toka Tū Ake EQC.

The National Emergency Management Agency recommends having a store of supplies to last at least three days in case you’re stuck at home in an emergency. You should also have a grab bag of essentials in case you need to evacuate in a hurry.

Our test writer, Amy, stayed on Matiu Somes Island for three days to trial a commercially made grab bag, comparing it to our DIY kit. Check out how it went.

Day 1 - the kits

Day 2 - food and water

Day 3 - the good, the bad and the verdict



You’ll find our review of six commercial grab bags here. And see how to make your own emergency grab bag here.


This report is free thanks to funding from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Toka Tū Ake EQC.


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