What to pack in your 'go bag' for a fire evacuation

EARTHQUAKE PREP: Alameda County Fire shares what you should have in your 'go bag'

Officials advise residents to be prepared for emergencies with a "go bag' that has important documents, flashlights and other necessities. Here's what Alameda County Fire Department's Cheryl Hurd says to pack.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The wildfires in Los Angeles County are reminding many Bay Area residents to make sure to prepare in the event a fire closes in on their home and forces them to quickly evacuate.

Cal Fire advises residents to assemble their "go bag" before a disaster strikes.

What they're saying:

"Get your emergency supply kit ready well before any wildfire or disaster. Make sure it’s accessible for quick evacuation," the state fire agency said on its website.

Cal fire noted that when supplying their emergency kit, residents should keep in mind they could be away from home for a long period of time.

What to pack:

A three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
A map with at least two evacuation routes
Necessary prescriptions or medications
A change of clothes and extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
A first aid kit and sanitation supplies
A flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Copies of important documents (e.g. birth certificates, passports, insurance information)
Pet food and extra water

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) recommends also including a contact list as part of your emergency kit.

If time allows, suggested additional items:

Valuables that are easy to carry
Family photos and irreplaceable items
Personal computer data on hard drives and disks
Extra chargers for cell phones and laptops

For pet owners, Cal OES recommends having a go-bag packed for their animals.

Pet preparedness kit:

Pet carrier for each pet
Two-week supply of food and water
Pet first aid kit
Identification tags
Vaccination information
Medications and dosing instructions
Cat litter box and litter
Plastic bags for waste disposal
Paper towels
Leashes/collars/harnesses
Toys and treats

More Tips:

Experts also said in case an evacuation order comes in the middle of the night, residents should keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight near their bed and easy to access.

The agency said there is no telling how much time you may have to grab your emergency items, so "go bags" should be both easy to grab and carry.

"Use backpacks to store items like essentials and personal documents," Cal Fires said, adding, "For food and water, consider a wheeled tub or chest for easier transport. Keep your bag light enough for comfortable lifting into your vehicle."

Dig deeper:

When an evacuation warning is issued, it means imminent threat to life or property. Emergency experts said that those who require additional time to evacuate should leave.

An evacuation order means there is immediate threat to life. "This is a lawful order to leave now," the Cal OES said, noting that the affected area is legally closed to public access.

Officials said when a warning is given, residents should be ready and assume an evacuation order will follow.

Cal Fire stressed that when a fire threatens your area, residents heed the instructions given by fire officials.

"If fire officials suggest evacuating, it’s best to leave right away. This helps you avoid danger and keeps roads clear for firefighters," Cal Fire said. "In big wildfires, there’s no time for door-to-door warnings, so if you’re told to go, do it fast to stay safe."

Wildfires California News Instanews