Prepare for at least three days, but preferably seven days. The best time to assemble a to-go bag and disaster supplies kit is well before you need them. Most of these items are already in your home and stocking up on emergency supplies now can add to your family's safety and comfort during and after a disaster.
Go-Bag Essentials
The go-bag should be easily accessible and filled with items needed to help you quickly and safely evacuate your home. When a wildfire is approaching, you may only have enough time to retrieve this bag.
- Clothing and personal toiletries.
- Inventory of home contents and photographs/videotape of the house and landscape. Contact your insurance agent for an inventory checklist.
- Flashlight, portable radio tuned to an emergency radio station and extra batteries. Change batteries annually.
- Extra set of car and house keys.
- Extra pair of eyeglasses.
- Contact information for family, friends, and physicians.
Disaster Supplies Kit Essentials
If you anticipate an extended evacuation at an emergency shelter or your family is returning to a home without functioning electricity and water, these items will prove helpful.
- One gallon of water per person, per day stored in unbreakable containers and labeled with the storage date. Replace every six months.
- Supply of non-perishable packaged or canned foods with a hand-operated can opener.
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel.
- First aid kit, including a first aid book.
- At least one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- ABC-type fire extinguisher.
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
- Large plastic trash bags, tarps, and rain ponchos.
- A large trash can.
- Bar soap, liquid detergent, and household bleach.
- Rubber gloves and duct tape.