Lately, wildfires have been at the forefront of the news. While there is not a lot we can do to stop them, we can be prepared to avoid them as best we can and to keep our families safe.
Go bags, also known as bug out bags, are bags or containers filled with all the essentials you'll need in case of an emergency. The last thing you want to be doing when there's a natural disaster at your doorstep is struggling to quickly pack evacuation items. Packing a go bag a head of time will give you the time you need to collect and pack all the items that will keep you and your family safe. Plus, knowing you have a go bag ready can help ease some of the anxiety in a stressful emergency situation.
There are some items that will be staples for every go bag regardless of the natural disaster your area is prone to. For instance, the first thing to pack is 3-days worth of food and water (suggested water is one gallon per person per day that will serve both for drinking and cleansing purposes). The water can be in bottles but we also suggest having some potable water tablets or other purifying devices, like a Life Straw. These can come in handy should you need to purify some water on the fly. In terms of food, you need to choose items that have a long shelf life and can be prepared and eaten with limited resources. Think of freeze-dried foods and MREs or Meals Ready To Eat. If you need some help choosing the best foods, we covered that in an earlier guide. If you have pets, don't forget to pack food for them as well.
Once you have the food and water supply figured out it's time to gather your other tools and equipment. Start with a first aid kit. I know it can be tempting to take the one that's been under the bathroom sink for ages but don't do that 1) because you might actually need it someday and 2) because things could be missing. Just get a new one and make sure that it has everything you need. Add some ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and allergy medication because it's always a good idea to have those items on hand. Also be sure to add any medications and vitamins you and your family need. While you are at it, pack up toiletry and personal care items you might need like feminine hygiene products, soaps, toothpaste and brushes, etc. Also, once again don't forget about your pets either. There are special first aid kits just for pets that should be included.
Next, get your lighting sources packed: flashlights, lanterns, and reflective strips for leashes and clothing to help out when visibility is low. If you are packing items with batteries, which you like will be, pack extra batteries. You will also want a weather radio to help keep informed you informed about how conditions are progressing. Choose one that has more than one way to be powered for instance a good emergency radio will likely be able to be powered by batteries, solar, and hand crank.
Chargers both solar, and electric are also becoming a key item to carry in your bag. Make sure that you have extra chargers for the items that you need (these chargers need to be left in your bag even when you accidentally step on your phone charger in the middle of the night so buy extra for your extras). Make sure to look for a solar option in case the power goes out. Chargers need to be taken out and tested/replaced once a year or when you upgrade a device.
Tip: I always like to have a reusable handkerchief for each member of my household. A bandana-style cloth can cover your mouth and nose, keep hair and sweat out of your eyes, can be used as a flag, tie items together, or be dunked in some water to help keep you cool in hot conditions.
Because you are packing for a fire there are a few protection items you should be sure to include like masks and airway protection tools. Make sure you have N95 masks that are certified by OSHA and have 2 straps. You will not get any protection from the surgical or dust masks found at hardware supplies. Look very carefully at what you're purchasing to be sure it will help keep you safe during a fire. It's important to remember to keep everyone calm , activity low, and keep everyone indoors as much as possible if you are in an area with smoke in the air.
Fires can be unpredictable and sometimes you won't know what you're coming home too. So it's important that you consider all the important documents and things in your house you want to keep safe. You can place things like birth certificates, home deeds, and such in fireproof document holder and I would consider placing some cash in there as well. A thumb drive is also a great way to keep copies of important documents on hand as well plus they are super light and easy to pack and can hold a lot. You can also opt for a bigger external hard drive that can handle a little more abuse.
Because I have done this all, I know that it can seem a little overwhelming but once you get started you will immediately feel better knowing that you have everything you need ready. If you need some more help I covered some wildfire preparedness tips you need to know in a separate post.
