Admittedly, and I don’t know why, building a Go Bag feels like a big undertaking. How do you assemble at least two weeks’ worth of basic necessities and your most valuable possessions? I suppose in the same way you do anything else – one step at a time.
For the next six weeks, I want to build our Go Bags incrementally by focusing on the six “P’s.” What are they? I’m so glad you asked:
Okay, fine… I suppose you could argue that’s closer to eight P’s, but I recommend we stay consistent with the organizations that recognize six (like the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery, and many more). No matter how many P’s you count, they include the items you need to have packed and ready when it’s time to go. People and Pets Fortunately, we’ve already completed a lot of the work associated with the first of the six P’s. Way to go! In Week 2, we prepared to evacuate with pets. In Week 3, we identified emergency evacuation routes and shelter locations. In Week 6, we built our Get Home Bag (the bag that lives in our vehicles or outside of our homes and, if push comes to shove, already contains the basic items we want for evacuation). In addition to what we’ve done in past weeks, Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery lists food, water, hygiene, sanitation, clothing, and comfort items as the things to gather to fulfill the first P. I raided my 20-year-old backpacking supplies and here is what I collected for myself:
Of course, your items will look different depending on your needs and the needs of other people and animals in your care. Don’t forget about:
Another courtesy would be to attach a sign to the door for first responders to let them know the people and pets have fully evacuated. Cost: $0 - $$$ (Depending on the supplies you may need to buy now) Frequency: Check your supplies semi-annually, and add or swap any items right away How are you getting yourself, family, roommates, neighbors, and pets ready? What items did I miss? Are there any other useful resources you recommend? Let me know 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.
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Krista West has been at the intersection of the remote sensing, wildland fire, and science communication communities since 2016. One of her main goals is to help emergency responders and the community members they serve. Archives
June 2025
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