Part of living in the iconic and scenic Northwest is experiencing fire season and from time to time in our communities it can turn dangerous. In the last several years, we have experienced some longer and more intense fire seasons. This trend is not going away for the foreseeable future and fires don’t wait so be ready and prepare your “Go Bag” today.
What is a “Go bag”, you say?
A Go Bag is an evacuation backpack or laundry bag of essential items you can quickly grab at a moment’s notice to help you safely and effectively evacuate your home in case of a natural disaster or a threat of fire. Including essential items such as water, food, and medicine to last a few days is a top priority. Other valuable items such as passports, driver’s licenses, the deed to your house, your will and or trust, proof of insurance, medical records, social security cards, birth certificates, immunization records, and pet medical records should also be included. Store these items in a waterproof bag for safekeeping.
Include one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, keys, a flashlight, batteries, a few changes of clothing, diapers, pet food, cash, face masks and hand sanitizer.
Other important items to remember are things like a whistle, pocketknife, headlamp, radio, extra phone chargers, matches, a favorite book, deck of cards, toys or games and snacks or candy bars.
Finally, plan an evacuation route and establish a family communication plan with phone numbers of loved ones who live out of state in case local cell towers go down and make sure everyone knows to meet up in the same place.
Natural disasters don’t wait, so pack a Go Bag for you and your loved ones today.
See below for links on other great Go Bag tips!
supplies_kit_checklist.pdf (nfpa.org) as well as During the Fire — CWSC (chumstickcoalition.org)
Article by Barbara Carrillo, Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition