BE PREPARED 

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Taking some very basic steps to take care of your self, your family, (and your property) by preparing an Emergency Go -bag for every single person and pet, will, when an emergency arises, make things easier for all of you. Emergencies have the capacity to be traumatizing, but the more information we have, and the more we prepare, the easier it is to survive and recover. See you some of the very basic things you can do for yourself and your family to take care and prepare. This list is more for personal items and self-care and then it is for house care.

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HELPFUL TIPS FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

 

1. Due to the unpredictability of wildfire, fill up your tank of gas to at least half full before you bring it home. In an emergency evacuation scenario with our very limited exit access in the valley, we are all likely to be sitting in traffic for quite a long time and the last thing you want to do is run out of gas.

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2. N95 or KN95 masks have become very well known because of Covid, but what many people may not know is that N95 and KN95 mask’s are crucial for protecting your respiratory system/lungs from the particulates and toxins in smoke. N95 and KN95 masks can be found now on Amazon and other sites. The main difference between N95 and KN95 is the country where they came from. They are both reliable and are essential to protect your lungs. Bandannas and basic surgical masks will not protect your lungs and respiratory system from the toxic particles found in smoke.

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3. Purchase goggles that completely encompass/Seal around your eyes. Glasses and sunglasses will not protect your eyes in an ember storm. 

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4. Have at least one complete outfit that is made of NATURAL fiber: Cotton, Flax, Hemp, Jute, Ramie, Sisal, Alpaca, Angora, Camel, Cashmere, Mohair, Silk, and Wool.

 

EMERGENCY GO BAGS

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Online source: vlesdesigns.com

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These are the items that FEMA/the Red Cross/Cal fire and many other Fire centric organizations including the national fire protection Association recommend when putting together an emergency go bag. We have also added in a handful of other items that we feel are useful as well.

 

Be aware that the majority of the toiletry items are travel size, and should be stored in Ziploc bags so they don’t leak.

 

1. Strong & durable Flashlight, loaded w/ batteries and extras

2. Headlamp loaded w/batteries and extras

3. Spork (or a plastic knife, spoon, fork)

4. Multitool

5. N95 or KN 95 mask’s

6. Goggles (surround type, complete coverage)

7. water - 1 gallon per person per day 48 to 72 hours avg

8. Travel size toiletries: Kleenex, toilet paper, sunscreen, eyedrops, floss, brush or comb, body soap, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, tweezers, First aid kit, burn cream, at least five pairs of surgical nitrile gloves, and Q-tips

9. Scissors

10. A Compass

11. A thermal mylar alarm blanket

12. A thermal mylar or regular BIVVY sack

13. An emergency whistle

14. A plastic jar with lid

15. A small towel &/or clean rags

16. A pair of carabiners

17. Rain poncho

18. Travel size bottle of liquid laundry detergent and a Ziploc of fabric softener sheets.

19. Roll of quarters for laundry machines

 

PERSONAL ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR GO BAG

 

• Any and all prescription medication including inhalers for you and your pets.

• Reading glasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses and contact solution

• Two changes of clothes including 3 pairs of underwear/ 3 pairs of socks

• Feminine hygiene products

• Advil/Tylenol/antacid

• Protein bars, can opener/canned food

• Wallet, cell phone, cell phone charger, Social Security cards/passports

• 2 sentimental items for each person in the house

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

• Does your bank offer safety deposit boxes? See if yours does because they are a VERY inexpensive way of having a safe place for your important papers, sentimental items, jewelry, pictures, extra medication, an extra cell phone (with updated contact list) a phone charger, and a credit card you rarely use. The larger the box the more you can put in there. Consider Will’s, titles, deeds, marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, Insurance information, you may even consider putting a copy of each of your utility and credit card bills so you have the account numbers.

 

• Photograph or video record on your phone the items inside and outside your house. Open every cabinet every closet every storage unit, and video or photograph everything in the house. When it comes to being reimbursed for insurance, people with photographic or video evidence are more likely to receive higher reimbursement rates, anywhere between $40- $100,000k on average difference. Do not forget the items on the outside of your house as well, including patio furniture, barbecue grills and your landscaping, and any automobile you have to leave behind.

 

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THE PSYCHOLOGY & TRAUMA OF WILDFIRES

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• The Psychological Toll of Wildfires​

• A Mental Health Crisis is Burning Across the American West​

• After the Wildfire: Treating the Mental Health Crisis Triggered by Climate Change

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