Wildfire & Emergency Go Kit

ASSEMBLE A WILDFIRE & EMERGENCY "GO KIT"

Put together your Go Kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time.  Each person should have a readily accessible emergency supply kit.  Backpacks work great for storing these items (except food and water) and are quick to grab.  Storing food and water in a tub or chest on wheels will make it easier to transport.  Keep it light enough to be able to lift it into your car.

"Go KIT" CHECKLIST

• Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes or boots (preferable) and a spare flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.
• Long sleeve shirt, long pants, cotton (all should be cotton or wool, bright colors are best).
• Leather work gloves
• Full coverage goggles
• Respirator (N95, available at most hardware stores)
• Map marked with at least two evacuation routes (if possible)
• Prescriptions medications (ask your doctor for a multi day emergency supply, rotate annually)
• Spare battery and charger for cell phone
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
• First aid kit (compact)
• Headlamp
• Flashlight (handheld)
• Battery-powered radio
• Spare batteries for flashlights, headlamp, and radio
• Sanitation supplies (toilet paper, feminine hygeine, baby wipes/diapers)
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
• Pet Supplies
  • Carriers for each pet
  • Leashes
  • Pet food and water

Items to take if time allows:

• Easily carried valuables
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person.
• Family photos and other small, irreplaceable items
• Personal computer information on hard drives and disks (off site or "cloud" backup is best)
• Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Computers and battery backups

Use battery backups (computer UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supplies work well) for internet modems, routers, and phones.  This can help ensure you receive emergency alerts.  If you require hearing aids, ensure you can promptly answer and hear phone calls at night.  Register for Alert Marin, or your local emergency alerting service (in Marin, www.alertmarin.org - not Nixle!)

A battery backup for a garage door opener may save your life.  Install one!

For more information on emergency supplies for other types of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and storms, visit www.readymarin.org  or www.ready.gov