NMFD News:
No one wants to have to evacuate. But the state has already seen wildfires force evacuations this year—and it’s not even May.
The good news: Packing up your go bag is pretty simple, and it takes just a weekend afternoon to gather what you need.
Start with the bag itself: Find a duffel or other large-ish-sized bag that you can keep in a closet or somewhere it’s readily accessible.
Next, pack anything you might need for three nights at an evacuation shelter (or family member’s home). Think: clothes, prescriptions and toiletries. Make copies of important papers like deeds or medical documents. You can also make a list of irreplaceable items that you’ll want to grab like jewelry, heirlooms or sentimental things. The list will help you to grab what you need in an emergency—with everything else already ready to go!
Assembling your wildfire-ready kit
Get your emergency supply kit ready well before any wildfire or disaster. Make sure it’s accessible for quick evacuation and prepare for the possibility of being away from home for a while.
Your ‘Go Bag’ should be easy to carry and access. Use backpacks to store items like essentials and personal documents. For food and water, consider a wheeled tub or chest for easier transport. Keep your bag light enough for comfortable lifting into your vehicle.
Your ‘Go Bag’ checklist
Ensure your wildfire ‘Go Bag’ includes:
- A 3-day supply of non-perishable food & 3 gallons of water per person
- A map with at least 2 evacuation routes
- Necessary prescriptions or medications
- A change of clothes & extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
- A first aid kit & sanitation supplies
- A flashlight & battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
- Pet food & water
Always have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed, ready for sudden night evacuations.
Additional items if time allows
If time allows, consider adding:
- Valuables that are easy to carry
- Family photos and irreplaceable items
- Personal computer data on hard drives and disks
- Chargers for cell phones and laptops
For more information on emergency supplies, visit www.ready.gov