Creating a Wildfire Go Bag: 10 Items to Add to Your Wildfire Emergency Kit

Wildfires can strike without warning, transforming peaceful surroundings into life-threatening situations within moments. A well-prepared wildfire go bag is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones when evacuation is necessary. While the unpredictability of wildfires is daunting, being proactive and prepared offers a measure of control in these chaotic moments. A go bag equipped with the right essentials ensures you can leave at a moment’s notice, knowing you have what you need to survive the immediate dangers. From basic necessities to emergency phone chargers, every item has a critical role in securing safety during an emergency evacuation.

What is a Wildfire Go Bag?

A wildfire go bag is a portable emergency kit designed specifically for rapid evacuation during a wildfire. It's a pre-packed bag containing essential supplies that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours in an emergency. The purpose of this bag is to ensure that when a wildfire threatens your home, you can grab it and evacuate quickly without having to think about what you need to take with you. These bags should be kept in an easily accessible location, ideally by the main door or in your vehicle, to allow for quick departure.

The Importance of Planning a Wildfire Go Bag

When wildfires strike, they can spread rapidly, leaving little to no time to prepare. A wildfire go bag removes the element of last-minute panic by having all your essential supplies ready to go. Proper planning ensures you don't forget crucial items in the heat of the moment, such as medications, identification, or survival tools. Also, planning ahead allows you to tailor your go bag to your family’s specific needs, ensuring everyone has what they require during an emergency. Having a go-bag ready can mean the difference between a calm, controlled evacuation and one filled with unnecessary stress and uncertainty.

10 Essential Items to Add to Your Wildfire Emergency Kit Bag

When assembling your wildfire go bag, it’s important to prioritize items that will help you stay safe, healthy, and connected. Here are the key essentials you should include:

Water and Non-Perishable Food

Pack enough water and food for at least three days per person. Consider high-calorie, shelf-stable options like protein bars, canned goods, and dried fruits. Water is critical; aim for one gallon per person per day.

Personal Identification and Important Documents

Copies of important documents such as your ID, insurance policies, and medical records should be stored in a waterproof folder. These will help you rebuild your life after the emergency.

First Aid Kit and Medications

Include a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications you or your family members may need. Include items like pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and allergy medications.

Protective Gear

N95 masks can filter out harmful particles from the smoky air, while safety goggles protect your eyes from ash. Pack sturdy shoes and gloves to help navigate rough terrain.

Emergency Phone Charger

Staying connected is critical during an emergency, and you can’t rely on having access to a power source. A portable emergency phone charger ensures that your phone remains charged, allowing you to stay in contact with family and emergency services. 

ChargeTab emergency chargers are pre-charged, eliminating any need or worry about spending hours prepping the charger before you can use it. Each ChargeTab charger comes in weatherproof packaging and has a biodegradable outer paper shell to ensure you have up to four hours of talk and text when needed. With its small, permanently attached cord, you can simply plug into your phone quickly and easily to get power—no need to hunt for an extra cord! The compact size of a ChargeTab charger allows you to stash them anywhere for immediate access. Whether in your back pocket, wildfire go bag, or in your car’s console, ChargeTab emergency chargers have a shelf life of two years for dependability when you need it most.

Clothing and Blankets

Pack layers of clothing for various weather conditions, including sturdy shoes and a hat. Don’t forget blankets or sleeping bags to keep warm, especially if you’re forced to spend time outdoors.

Maps and Compass

GPS may not always be reliable during emergencies. Have a physical map of your area and a compass to help you navigate in case you lose phone service. However, it’s important to note that you can still call 911 even if you don’t have a signal, which is why an emergency phone charger is critical in these moments!

Flashlight and Batteries

A durable flashlight and extra batteries are essential for navigating low-visibility conditions, especially if the wildfire causes a power outage.

Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife

These handy tools are indispensable for a wide range of emergencies, from cutting through materials to basic repairs.

Whistle

If you need to signal for help, a whistle can be heard from a much greater distance than shouting and will conserve your energy.

Explore Emergency Phone Chargers with ChargeTab

A portable phone charger is more than just a convenience in a wildfire scenario; it’s a lifeline. ChargeTab offers emergency phone chargers designed specifically for times when staying connected is crucial. Whether you're trying to call loved ones or receive critical updates, ChargeTab’s portable chargers are an essential part of your go bag. Compatible with both Android and iPhone, ChargeTab chargers are available in multipacks of 10 or 30 for prolonged emergency situations or stashing in multiple areas. 

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our process. Our lithium-ion batteries are upcycled—we don’t manufacture new batteries! Instead, we rescue our batteries from landfills, refurbish them, rigorously test them, and recycle each battery to ensure optimal performance. After using your ChargeTab emergency charger, you can easily send it back through our free recycling program. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to ensure your charger is responsibly recycled, supporting both your needs and the environment.

With ChargeTab, you can keep your phone running during any emergency. Power when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere.