BZNEP1 Considerations for the Design of an Emergency Pack
Status: Draft
Version: 1.1
Date: 2026-07-13
Author: Benjamin Zimmermann
1. Abstract
An emergency situation may require a person to leave their residence at short notice.
In such situations, there may be insufficient time to collect required equipment and personal belongings.
A prepared emergency pack provides essential equipment in advance and reduces the number of decisions required under time pressure significantly.
This document describes one possible approach for planning and designing an individual emergency pack.
It is not intended to be a general-purpose packing list.
2. Scope
This document descibes considerations for designing a personal emergency pack.
The pack is intended for critical situations requiring short-term relocation. Possible scenarios could be house fire, flooding, evacuation due to explosive ordnance disposal or unexpected hospital admission and many more.
An emergency pack aims to provide support to a variety of objectives including:
- Basic supplies
- Protection against environmental conditions
- Communication capabilities
- Access to important documents
3. General Constraints
The design of an emergency pack depends on individual circumstances. The definition of those factors determine size, weight and contents of a pack. Relevant factors are:
- Required travel distance
- Available means of transportation
- Physical carrying capability
- Available storage volume
- Number of persons involved
- Children requiring support
- Pets requiring support
- Required medication
- Urban or rural environment
- The persons theoretical and practical skills
4. Requirements
Water Supply
SHOULD provide drinking water for a limited period.
WOULD depend on weight, transport capability and refill opportunities.
COULD be approximately 2 liters of water per person and day.
Weather Protection
SHOULD protect against rain, wind, sun and low temperatures.
WOULD depend on weight, small packing volume and multiple possible use.
COULD be a poncho liner, emergency bivy sack, rain jacket or poncho, fleece jacket, long merino underwear, beany, hat or cap, and a NATO roll (compactly rolled set of spare clothing: undershirt, underwear, socks).
Medical Supply
SHOULD support common medical requirements and minor injuries.
WOULD depend on individual requirements.
COULD be personal medication, adhesive bandages, emergency blanket, pain medication, ant-diarrhea medication.
Food
SHOULD provide quickly available energy.
WOULD favor lightweight, shelf-stable food requiring no preparation.
COULD be protein bars, dark chocolate, gummy candy and electrolyte powder.
Hygiene
SHOULD provide the ability to perform basic personal hygiene.
WOULD depend on indivdual requirements.
COULD be travel toothbrush, toothpaste tablets, dental floss, washcloth, lightweight towel, curd soap, disposable razor.
Communication and Power
SHOULD maintain basic communication capabilities.
WOULD depend on individual requirements and preferences.
COULD be smartphone, power bank, charging cable, flashlight or headlamp, batteries, headphones.
Documents
SHOULD make important personal information available. Ideal are physical copies with additional digital copies on an encrypted storage device.
WOULD depend on availability and personal preference.
COULD be identity card, passport, birth certificate, insurance documents, certificates, advance directive, power of attorney, vaccination record, proof of ownership, personal pictures (family, friends, pets, etc.).
Additional Equipment
SHOULD provide extra convenience.
WOULD depend on weight, avaliable storage volume and personal preferences.
COULD be cash, sleep mask, ear plugs, notebook, pencil.
5. Maintenance
SHOULD ensure the availability and proper function of the equipment.
WOULD include the verification of:
- Food shelf life
- Medication shelf life
- Battery charge level
- Validity of documents
- Equipment completeness
- Equipment condition
COULD be performed every 3 to 6 months.