Why a wildfire kit is different
Wildfire conditions can change quickly, and an evacuation notice may come with very little lead time.
So the question worth asking is simple: If you needed to leave tonight, how much would you still have to gather?
The measure of a wildfire kit isn't how much it holds. It's whether you can pick it up and go.
Wildfire preparedness also isn't limited to homes deep in the forest. Communities near grasslands, open space, foothills, and other fire-prone areas can face evacuation and smoke impacts too. If wildfire is a risk where you live, having essential supplies packed and accessible can save valuable time when conditions change.
What to add to any wildfire kit
No pre-packed kit is wildfire-complete. Ours included. We'd rather tell you plainly than let you assume a packed backpack covers everything.
- NIOSH-approved N95 respirators. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that ordinary cloth masks aren't designed to filter. Choose respirators appropriate for the people who will use them and follow the manufacturer's instructions for fit and use. Not sure whether an N95 is genuine? Here is how to check.
- Safety goggles. Smoke, ash, and airborne debris can irritate your eyes. Some of our kits, including the RapidShield, already include goggles.
- Additional burn-care supplies. Check what's already included in your first aid kit and add burn-care items appropriate for your household.
- Supplies for cleaner indoor air. If smoke is affecting your area and you're staying home, follow local public-health guidance for reducing smoke indoors. That may include closing windows and doors and using appropriately filtered indoor air.
- A fire-resistant document pouch for important originals and documents you want to take with you.
- A printed evacuation map with at least two routes marked in advance. Don't rely solely on your phone for navigation during an evacuation.
The familiar wildfire 6 P's are also a useful reminder: people and pets, papers, prescriptions, pictures, personal computers, and plastic, meaning credit/debit cards and cash.
No pre-packed kit can include all of those for you. That's why your wildfire plan should include both the supplies you can pack ahead and the personal items only your household can add.
Don't leave your pets behind
Emergency shelter and temporary lodging policies for pets vary, so your evacuation plan should include pet-friendly options before you need them.
Our dog and cat kits gather emergency food, water, and other pet-specific supplies so you're not trying to assemble them while you're preparing to leave.
Wildfire smoke can affect animals too. Bring pets indoors when smoke or poor air quality is affecting your area, limit their exposure, and follow veterinary or local emergency guidance if you're concerned about their health.
Your pets are part of the household. The plan should include them.
How much warning will I get before a wildfire evacuation?
It varies. That's one of the strongest arguments for packing ahead.
Depending on the fire, weather, terrain, and where you live, you may have time to prepare before an evacuation, or conditions may change quickly enough that you're told to leave with little notice.
Evacuation terminology also varies by location. Some communities use Ready, Set, Go! or similar systems, while others issue their own evacuation levels, warnings, and orders.
Learn the terminology used by your local emergency authorities, sign up for local emergency alerts, and know what would prompt your household to leave.
A kit that's already packed means there is one less thing to assemble when it's time to go.
Do I need a separate kit for every type of emergency?
Not necessarily.
Many emergency supplies are useful across multiple situations, including first aid, lighting, communication, food, starter water, water treatment, shelter, and basic tools. A well-chosen emergency kit can therefore provide a foundation for more than one type of emergency.
What changes are the scenario-specific pieces. Wildfire preparedness may call for N95 respirators and predetermined evacuation routes. Winter storms put greater emphasis on warmth. Power outages may call for additional lighting and backup power.
Start with a solid emergency foundation, then add what your household needs for the risks where you live.
Where should I store my wildfire kit?
Store it somewhere easy to reach on your way out, rather than buried behind other supplies in a basement, closet, or garage.
Think about how your household would actually evacuate. If you normally leave through the garage, a convenient location near that route may make sense. If you might need to leave without your vehicle, make sure the kit is somewhere you can grab it quickly and carry it comfortably.
If your household has multiple vehicles or people who may be in different places when an evacuation begins, consider whether a second set of essential supplies would be useful.
Check your kit regularly and replace food, water, medications, batteries, or other items as they expire or as your household's needs change.
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