What Every Emergency Wildfire Go-Bag Should Include Before You Evacuate

Wildfires move fast, and the window to evacuate safely can shrink to minutes. Having a packed, ready-to-grab bag is the difference between leaving with the documents, medications and supplies you need — or fleeing empty-handed and scrambling for replacements for weeks.

A wildfire evacuation go-bag is a portable kit of essentials you can grab on the run when an evacuation order arrives. Experts say what you put inside it — and how you carry it — matters as much as having one at all.

What should go in a wildfire go-bag?

According to AARP, the bag itself needs to be practical: “Your carryall must be large and sturdy enough to hold the essentials and small enough to grab on the run. A backpack is a great option.” If you’re not able to carry a heavy bag, Jonathan Sury, senior staff associate at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia Climate School at Columbia University recommends “a duffel bag on wheels.”

The most important items are the ones that would be difficult or impossible to recover after a fire:

• IDs and passports
• Spare glasses or contacts
• Emergency cash
• Phone chargers and backup battery packs

Which survival tools do experts recommend?

According to NPR, Alyssa Provencio, a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, says wildfire go-bag checklists can vary widely, but a few essentials should always make the cut. She recommends packing a multi-tool or knife, paracord or rope that can be used for shelter or securing supplies, duct tape for quick repairs, a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and a reliable fire starter.

Provencio notes that practical survival items matter most during an evacuation, especially when conditions become unpredictable. Sury additionally recommends including an emergency blanket to help retain body heat if you’re stranded outdoors or temperatures suddenly drop.

How do you protect against wildfire smoke?

Wildfires often create dangerous smoke long before flames are nearby. Add to your bag:

• N95 masks
• Eye drops for irritation
• Saline spray
• Inhalers or breathing medications
• Extra water to stay hydrated

What should you pack for a longer evacuation?

Evacuations can last longer than expected. Pack:

• A change of comfortable clothes
• Lightweight blankets
• Travel-size toiletries
• Snacks with a long shelf life
• A book, headphones or a small comfort item for children

Don’t forget pets. Bring leashes and carriers, pet food and bowls, vaccination records, medications and familiar toys or blankets to reduce anxiety.

What about power outages and communication?

Fires can knock out electricity and communication systems. Helpful additions include flashlights or headlamps, extra batteries, a portable radio, printed emergency contacts and paper maps in case GPS fails.

How should you prepare your vehicle?

Many evacuations happen by car. Keep the gas tank at least half full during wildfire season, and store jumper cables and phone chargers in the vehicle. Pack extra water and snacks in the trunk, and keep a small first aid kit on board.

The bag works best when it’s already packed before fire season begins — not assembled while smoke is on the horizon.

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.