Week 6: Pack a “Get Home” Bag

I’ll address a “Go” Bag in a future #FirePrepFriday but, this week, I want to share what I call my “Get Home” Bag. In my mind, a Go Bag is what I have packed and stored in my house – it includes emergency essentials and is among the things I would quickly grab after receiving an evacuation alert. A Get Home Bag, on the other hand, is always stored in my vehicle. That way, if an emergency occurs while I’m away from home and out in town or in the wilderness… whether it’s a wildfire, a blizzard, or just a flat tire… I have supplies I can use to get back to the house.

Here are the items in my Get Home Bag:

• The bag itself is good quality, but just a basic backpack I no longer use
• KN95 masks
• A reflective belt
• Tough tape
• Water purification items
• Fire sticks and a fire starter
• Small knives
• Emergency shelters (not fire shelters, but shelters for staying dry and warm)
• Emergency ration food provisions
• Paracord
• Camping soap
• Rain ponchos
• Headlamp, flashlight, and batteries
• Charge cords
• Compass
• Medical kits
• Extra clothing layers (gloves, ear warmer, neck gaiter, and pullover)
• Sturdy shoes with good tread

Is this a perfect bag? Not entirely, no. For example, I can make the upgrade to a tactical-level pack and boots. Also, I should have clothing that is 100% cotton, in case I need to move near a fire. Could I consolidate items? Sure. But I know that I can carry the weight of what fits in my bag, and I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Here are the additional items I keep in my vehicle:

• My “In Case of Emergency” binder. Each time I complete a #FirePrepFriday task that involves paperwork (such as my pet’s emergency information from Week 2, potential evacuation routes and shelter locations from Week 3, etc.), I add it to the binder.
• The “no matter the weather” items: traction cleats, snow chains, a small shovel, a windshield ice scraper, and an umbrella
• A tire air gauge and pump
• A tackle box with medical supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes, plastic gloves, etc.)
• The warmest jacket I have
• Blankets and towels
• Toilet paper (you never know)
• Not pictured: Maps and gazetteers

What I need to add soon is water. We’re still occasionally experiencing freezing temperatures here, so I’m waiting for the weather to be consistently above 32 degrees Fahrenheit before I add something that could risk a freeze/thaw followed by a leaking situation.

Cost: No Cost - $$$$ (depending on what you already have and what you need to add to your supplies)
Frequency: Check your Get Home Bag at least semi-annually. If you have items like mine, you need to ensure the batteries aren’t dead, the medical supplies aren’t expired, and you have weather-appropriate clothing (for example, in your location, you may not need several blankets, gloves, or the warmest jacket you have).

What’s in your Get Home Bag? What do you recommend I add to mine? Share your thoughts in the Comments.

Important Disclaimer: I am not a fire preparedness professional. I am merely sharing my research, opinions, and what I find that applies to my geographic and personal situations in hopes that it will help others. Please make sure that whatever steps and advice you follow are what is best for you.

---

□️□ It’s Week 6 of the #FirePrepFriday series. This week, update your Get Home Bag. This is the bag you keep in your vehicle (or outside the house) in case there’s an emergency when you’re away and need supplies to help you safely get home.

[image or embed]

— Krista West, Ph.D. (@rsfirenerd.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 10:45 AM