Evacuation Go Bag: The Essentials

Learn the essential items you need for a seamless and comfortable evacuation

Why Prepare a Go Bag?

In an evacuation event, your home may be inaccessible for days or weeks on end. During this time, it’s critical that you and your family have all the necessary resources and equipment to live and survive at an evacuation center, hotel, in a car, etc.

Recommended Items

Survival Gear

  • Whistle
  • Flashlight
  • Headlamp
  • Battery pack and cell phone charger
  • Pocket knife
  • Wool blanket
  • Hand crank radio

Hygiene & Medical

  • Prescription Medication
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet Paper
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Eye drops
  • Wipes and diapers

Food & Water

  • Non-perishable food for two days
  • Paper towels, napkins
  • Water bottle
  • Water (2-3 gallons per pet)
  • Cups, plates, utensils
  • Infant formula and bottles

 

Pets

    • Pet food
    • Water (1-3 gallons per pet)
    • Leashes
    • Medication
    • Cage/carrier

Personal

  • 2 days’ worth of clothes
  • Long shirt & pants (100% cotton/wool)
  • Leather gloves
  • Boots or hiking shoes
  • Goggles
  • Face mask (N95 Rated)
  • Driver’s License & Identification 
Go Bag In Use

Following a fire eruption near you, keep updated and informed through local emergency alert systems and official fire department statements. 

In the event of a red flag warning:

  • Ensure your Go Bag is located inside or near your car
  • Evaluate a best route of evacuation in case the need arises
  • Verify your car has sufficient gas to drive twice your expected evacuation route (factors in traffic and detours)
  • Charge cell phones

In the event of an evacuation order:

  • Load your Go Bag into your car and hit the road
  • Follow instructions from local law enforcement and fire departments

If time permits, bring:

  • Important documents (Passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, titles to properties, bank account records, etc.)
  • Small, easily-carried valuables (jewelry, gold, medals)
  • Money (cash, credit cards, etc.)
  • Family photos, paintings, and irreplaceable items
  • Fire extinguisher
Constantly Replenish and Revise
    • Go Bags are most effective when they are usable and meet your current needs.
      • Check expiration dates and replace expired items
      • Store canned food in a dry and cool location
      • Revise your Go Bag every year and update items depending on your family’s changing needs (ex. Add baby formula for infants)
      • Store boxed food in an airtight plastic or metal container