WHAT DO YOU PACK IN AN EMERGENCY?
A wildfire go bag is a pre-packed emergency kit designed to help you evacuate quickly and safely if a wildfire threatens your home or community. It contains essential items you may need for at least 72 hours, including food, water, clothing, medications, important documents, and personal safety gear. The goal is to have everything ready in one bag so that if evacuation orders are issued, you can leave immediately without scrambling to gather supplies.
A typical wildfire go bag might include:
- Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- Non-perishable food and snacks
- Medications and prescription glasses
- Important documents (ID, insurance papers, medical records, financial info)
- Clothing suitable for fire and weather conditions, including sturdy shoes
- Face masks to protect from smoke inhalation
- Flashlight, batteries, and a whistle
- Basic first aid kit
- Chargers and battery packs for phones
- Pet supplies if you have animals
- Personal hygiene items
The key principle is ready, portable, and comprehensive—your go bag should allow you to survive safely for at least a few days while you evacuate and await further assistance.
Lemon Aide Project: Wildfire Go Bag Checklist
Be ready to evacuate in minutes. Pack your go bag now to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.
1. Essentials for Survival
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days
- Non-perishable food: canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, nuts
- Manual can opener
- Medications: prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements
- First aid kit: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, pain relievers, tweezers, gloves
- Face masks: N95 or similar to protect against smoke inhalation
- Personal hygiene: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, feminine products, wet wipes
- Flashlight and extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
- Multi-tool or pocket knife
- Emergency whistle
- Battery packs / portable phone charger
2. Clothing & Protection
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (fire-resistant fabrics if possible)
- Extra socks and underwear
- Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Gloves (work gloves for handling debris)
- Bandanas or scarves to cover mouth/nose in smoky conditions
3. Important Documents & Money
- Photo ID, driver’s license, passports
- Insurance policies (home, auto, renters, health)
- Medical records
- Bank information and credit/debit cards
- Cash (small bills)
- Emergency contact list
- Copies stored digitally on a USB drive or cloud
4. Communication & Safety
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Cell phone and charger / extra batteries
- Local maps (paper copy in case GPS is unavailable)
- Emergency contact sheet with family, neighbors, local shelters, and agencies
5. Household & Miscellaneous Supplies
- Blankets or sleeping bag per person
- Lightweight tarp or emergency shelter
- Small toolkit: hammer, duct tape, zip ties, rope
- Fire extinguisher (small, portable)
- Trash bags for waste and waterproofing items
6. Children & Baby Supplies
- Diapers, wipes, formula, baby food
- Bottles and feeding utensils
- Extra clothing and blankets
- Comfort items (favorite toy or blanket)
7. Pet Supplies
- Pet food and water (3-day supply)
- Bowls for food and water
- Leash, harness, and carrier / crate
- Medications and medical records
- Vaccination records
- Comfort item (toy or blanket)
8. Optional but Recommended Items
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Notebook and pen
- Extra set of keys (car, house)
- Personal entertainment items (books, cards, small games)
Tips for Your Wildfire Go Bag:
- Keep it in an easy-to-grab location near your front door or garage.
- Review and update items every 6 months, especially medications, food, and batteries.
- Make sure all family members know where it is and can carry it if needed.
- Consider a backpack or rolling suitcase for portability.
- Always include masks and water—smoke and dehydration are immediate threats.