What should be in your evacuation 'GO' bag during wildfire season
Officials suggest designating a bag or backpack as your 'GO' bag and filling it with these important items that you'll need if you'll suddenly be away from home for a few days
Some items suggested to be placed in an evacuation "GO" bag to grab if having to leave home at a moment's notice
(Courtesy: CAL Fire)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When conditions are dry and windy, a small spark can suddenly turn into a raging wildfire that quickly races across the region. And if you live in an area that is prone to these fires, you may only have moments to minutes to escape the advancing flames.
Firefighters recommend all those who could ever find themselves in harm's way to have an evacuation "GO" bag at the ready.
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"Leaving quickly and early when a wildfire approaches your community is a vital part of keeping your family safe," officials with CAL Fire wrote on Facebook. "Having an emergency supply kit – also called a 'go bag' - stocked and ready is an important step in being able to 'Go!' at a moment’s notice."
Officials suggest designating a bag or backpack as your GO bag and filling it with these important items that you'll need if you'll suddenly be away from home for a few days.
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Essential items:
- Portable all-purpose first aid kit
- Some canned goods – plus, don't forget the can opener
- Cans of pet food and a portable pet food bowl (if needed)
- A roll of toilet paper
- Feminine products
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Extra prescription meds
- 5 gallons of water – 3 days' worth
Essential gadgets:
- Phone charger cable/plug
- Portable radio
- Batteries
- LED portable lanterns/flashlights
- Lighter
Comfort Items:
- Small bottles of shampoo and/or conditioner
- Bar of soap
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Razor
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand wipes
- Rain poncho
- Blanket
- Extra hoodie
- Extra shirt and leggings/pants
Also, don't forget to toss in these important documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificates
- Social Security card
- Credit cards and some cash
- Contact list
- Driver's license
- Medical card
- Insurance card
Having many of these items in a bag already will save time if an urgent evacuation is warranted.
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Remember even if a mandatory Level 3 evacuation isn't in place yet, if your area is placed in a Level 1 or Level 2 evacuation zone, that is the time to make sure your supplies bag is fully stocked and ready to GO!
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And don't leave without your car keys and cell phone.
Find out more you can do to be ready for wildfire season at ReadyForWildfire.org