Wildfires have become a recurring threat for many communities across Los Angeles. Every year, residents are reminded of how quickly fires can spread through foothill neighborhoods and even urban areas, leaving little time to prepare. One of the most important steps Angelenos can take is creating a wildfire go-bag—a ready-to-grab emergency kit that ensures you and your family have the essentials when evacuation orders come suddenly.
Why a Go-Bag is Essential in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County is home to diverse landscapes, from dense urban blocks to hillside communities surrounded by brush. With hot, dry winds and long summers, the wildfire risk is constant. Evacuation orders often happen with little notice, and having a go-bag packed means you’re not scrambling in the final minutes. A well-prepared kit can reduce stress and help your household stay safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
Table of Contents
Core Survival Essentials
When packing your wildfire go-bag, start with survival basics. These are the items that keep you safe and alive when normal services are disrupted.
- Water: Pack at least one gallon per person per day for three days. Consider including purification tablets or a portable filter.
- Food: Choose non-perishable, ready-to-eat options like energy bars, canned beans, and dried fruit.
- First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, gloves, pain relievers, and personal medications.
- Flashlight and Batteries: Power outages are common during wildfires; headlamps are also useful.
- N95 Masks: Essential in LA’s smoky air to protect your lungs from hazardous particles.
Important Documents and Identification
Wildfires don’t just threaten homes—they can disrupt access to banks, hospitals, and government offices. Keep copies of critical documents in waterproof bags:
- Identification (driver’s license, passport)
- Home and insurance documents
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Emergency contacts and family communication plan
Having these readily available ensures you can prove residency, file claims, or access aid quickly if displaced.
Clothing and Personal Items
Remember, evacuation might mean being away from home for days. Pack clothes and supplies suited for LA’s climate:
- Sturdy shoes and thick socks for walking through debris
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against ash and embers
- A lightweight jacket for cool evenings
- Personal hygiene items like soap, sanitizer, toothbrush, and feminine products
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
Tech, Communication, and Cash
Staying informed and connected during a wildfire is crucial. In Los Angeles, cell towers may fail, so it’s smart to have multiple communication tools.
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for local emergency alerts
- Backup cash in small bills since ATMs and card systems may be offline
- Extra charging cables for all devices
Items for Children and Pets
Families in Los Angeles often overlook the specific needs of children and pets when packing emergency kits. Make sure your go-bag accounts for them:
- Comfort items such as toys, books, or a blanket
- Extra diapers, formula, or child-friendly snacks
- Pet food, collapsible bowls, leashes, and any medication for animals
- Identification tags and a recent photo of your pet in case of separation
Community and Local Considerations
Living in Los Angeles means you’re part of a broader network of communities, each with different risks and evacuation routes. Customize your go-bag with:
- A printed map of Los Angeles County with highlighted evacuation routes
- Contact information for local shelters and friends outside high-risk areas
- Reusable water bottles and cooling cloths to handle LA’s heat during evacuations
- Copies of neighborhood preparedness plans if your community has them
Maintaining and Updating Your Go-Bag
Creating a go-bag isn’t a one-time task. Review and update its contents at least twice a year. Rotate food and water supplies, update medications, and ensure batteries are charged. Many LA families refresh their bags at the start and end of wildfire season to stay prepared.
Final Thoughts
A go-bag is more than just a backpack—it’s peace of mind during one of Los Angeles’s most unpredictable natural hazards. By preparing one now, you’re ensuring that when the next wildfire sparks, you and your family can act quickly and confidently.
What about you? Have you built your own wildfire go-bag yet? Share your tips or experiences in the comments and help your neighbors in Los Angeles stay prepared with BeReadyLA.org.
