Every household should pack a go-bag to be ready for emergencies. Photo by Jason Colston/American Red Cross
The deadly wildfires in southern California have forced thousands of people to evacuate, many taking little or nothing with them as they flee their neighborhood. It is critical that people everywhere be prepared for emergencies.
If an emergency threatens your neighborhood, be prepared to evacuate quickly and leave
the area if local officials tell you to do so. Grab your emergency go-kit and follow evacuation routes. Don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
GET READY TO EVACUATE Think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
Gather critical supplies for your go-kit. This bag carries important documents, extra medicine and other essentials and is easily accessible if you need to urgently run out the door. You should include:
Backup battery or another way to charge your cell phone, as well as chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Pet supplies ─ leashes, carriers, food, water, bowls, litter, litterbox and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated
Important documents ─ personal, financial and medical records (hard copies or securely backed up), medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
If possible, medications. Don’t forget eyeglasses, contact lenses and other health-related items, toothbrush and toothpaste, feminine hygiene supplies, contact-lens solution.
Credit or debit cards and extra cash in case ATMs aren’t working
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
N95 or surgical masks
Printed map of your area, in case GPS isn’t working or you have to look for an alternate route
Whistle to signal for help
First aid kit
Flashlight and extra batteries
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on wildfires in both English and Spanish. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
