Lifestyle

How to Prepare a “Go Bag” for Emergency Evacuation During California Fires

When a natural disaster like an earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, or wildfire strikes, there is often little time to gather belongings or make decisions. Many residents of Los Angeles and Southern California, impacted by recent major wildfires, experienced the urgency of evacuation with only moments to flee. This highlights the critical need for a “go bag” and a well-thought-out evacuation plan.

Experts, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement agencies, and first responders, urge everyone to prepare in advance. Creating emergency plans, discussing them with your family, and assembling “go bags” are vital steps to ensure you’re ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

The "6 P's of Evacuation"

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) recommends the “6 P’s of evacuation” to help you remember what to prioritize when preparing for an evacuation:

Essentials to Pack in Your Go Bag

Prepare a “go bag” with all the essentials you’ll need in an emergency. Cal Fire suggests the following items:

Face masks or coverings
A three-day supply of non-perishable food
Three gallons of bottled water per person
A map with at least two evacuation routes marked
First-aid supplies and necessary medications
Sanitation supplies
Prescriptions or special medications
A change of clothing, including long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses (if needed)
Extra car keys and a phone charger
Cash, credit cards, or traveler's checks
A flashlight
A battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, emergency contacts)
Pet food and medications (if applicable)
A can opener

Additional Items to Consider (If Time Permits)

If there’s time before evacuation, consider packing:

Additional Recommendations for Other Natural Disasters (Red Cross Guidelines)

Depending on the disaster, the Red Cross suggests packing additional items:

A whistle
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools for securing your home (plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors)
Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags

Creating an Evacuation Checklist

Prepare your family in advance with these steps:

1. Designate an emergency meeting point outside any hazardous area.
2. Identify multiple escape routes and practice them regularly to ensure everyone knows how to exit.
3. Plan for pets or large animals by preparing a separate evacuation plan for them.
4. Designate a point of contact outside your area for emergency communication in case of separation.
5. Stock up on fire extinguishers and ensure everyone knows how to use them.
6. Know where your home’s gas, electric, and water main shutoff controls are and how to safely turn them off during an emergency.
7. Keep a list of emergency contacts in your phone, on your home phone, and in your "go bag."
8. Keep an extra go bag in your car in case you cannot retrieve it from home.
9. Stay informed by checking local law enforcement for evacuation updates.
10. Encourage neighbors and community members to prepare their own "go bags" and evacuation plans.

Document Your Property

FEMA recommends documenting your property before a disaster to help with insurance claims. Take photos and videos of your home and belongings, including descriptions such as year, make, and model numbers for valuable items. Store this information securely and ensure it’s accessible after a disaster.

By preparing a “go bag” and having a detailed evacuation plan in place, you can reduce stress and increase safety when an emergency strikes.