What to pack in your "go bag" in case of disaster
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The destructive fires in Los Angeles County have shone a spotlight on the West's vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for emergency preparedness as wildfire seasons become longer and more intense.
Why it matters: Climate change is worsening the risk of extreme weather that can force evacuations of millions of people.
Threat level: In San Francisco, almost 32,900 properties have some risk of being affected by wildfires over the next 30 years, according to climate research nonprofit First Street.
- That comprises 21% of all properties in the city.
The big picture: Being prepared with an accessible "go bag" can reduce panic in the moment and could mean the difference between life or death, Jonathan Sury, senior staff associate at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, told CNN.
- It also ensures you have supplies if emergency response personnel can't immediately get to you.
Zoom in: There are several essential items people need to grab if they must leave their homes when a wildfire, tsunami or other natural disaster strikes.
- A go bag should be easy to find and carry. Consider a backpack for personal items and documents and a wheeled tub or suitcase for food and water.
What to pack: California's fire and emergency services departments recommend putting the following items in your bag:
- Food and water: A three-day supply of nonperishable food and 3 gallons of water per person, plus utensils and a can opener
- Medical supplies: First-aid kit, prescriptions, medications, medical devices, extra glasses and contacts, feminine hygiene products and sanitary items, including wipes
- Technology: Cell phone charger, battery pack, flashlight, batteries, battery-powered radio, laptop, storage devices that contain key personal data
- Important documents (or copies): ID, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage license, insurance policies
- Pet items: Food, collar/leash, carrier, toys and vaccine information
- Money: Credit and debit cards, cash
- A printed or downloaded map with evacuation routes
- Baby supplies such as diapers, formula and bottles
- Miscellaneous: A whistle to call for help, blanket or sleeping bag, change of clothes, shoes, extra car keys, phone numbers of family members and neighbors, irreplaceable photos, and cards, books or games for kids
Between the lines: The National Safety Council says you should check emergency supply kits every six months to replace expired or outdated items.
- Plus, if there's time, take videos throughout your house — drawers and cabinets included — to show the insurance company later if things are destroyed.
Flashback: When a 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit San Francisco in 1906 and triggered fires that ravaged the city for days, relief efforts were primarily carried out by family, friends and neighbors — "as is the case in most disasters," per the California Historical Society.
- Many medical facilities were damaged or destroyed, and it became clear that the city lacked a dedicated water supply system for firefighting.
State of play: While San Francisco has made significant strides in coordinating emergency response operations since 1906, the fire department also offers free disaster skills training in an effort to bolster residents' ability to be self-sufficient.
- The classes cover topics like hazard mitigation, search and rescue, fire extinguishing and injury assessment.
The bottom line: Pay attention to the type of evacuation warnings issued for your area and be ready to quickly leave if necessary.
Go deeper: How to help victims of the Los Angeles fires