Wildfire Emergency Supply Kit
In the face of increasing wildfire threats across the country, being prepared isn’t just smart—it’s potentially life-saving. According to FEMA, more than 4.5 million U.S. homes are at high or extreme risk from wildfires, and having the right supplies ready can determine your family’s safety and comfort during an emergency evacuation. While many homeowners focus on evacuation routes and communication plans, a properly stocked emergency supply kit is equally crucial yet often overlooked.
This guide covers all the essential items you need in your wildfire emergency supply kit—from the basics like water and non-perishable food to often-forgotten necessities like prescription medications and important documents. By preparing now, you’ll ensure your family has everything needed to survive for at least 72 hours during a wildfire emergency, regardless of whether you’re evacuating or sheltering in place. Don’t wait until smoke appears on the horizon—start assembling your wildfire emergency kit today.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Wildfire Preparedness here.
Essential Items For Your Wildfire Emergency Kit
When disaster strikes, a wildfire emergency supply kit can be your lifeline. Having a well-stocked kit on hand ensures that you and your family can weather the storm—literally. Make sure your kit is comprehensive, covering everything needed to support your family for at least 72 hours.
Non-perishable Food and Water
Ensure you have enough food and water for each family member to last at least three days. Opt for non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items that require little to no cooking or refrigeration. Some essentials include:
- High-protein snacks: Nuts, energy bars, and trail mix.
- Dried fruits: Provide important nutrients and are lightweight.
- Canned goods: Choose canned vegetables, soups, and ready-to-eat meals.
Water: Don’t forget about hydration. Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
First-Aid Supplies
A basic first-aid kit can make a big difference in a wildfire emergency. Include:
- Bandages, antiseptics, and gauze for minor injuries.
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin.
- Any prescription medications your family members may need.
- Burn gel or ointments for potential burns from embers.
Tools and Equipment
Gather essential tools to help in emergencies. These will be invaluable if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Add:
- Flashlight and extra batteries for light during power outages.
- Multi-tool for various tasks (cutting, opening bottles, etc.).
- Whistle to signal for help if needed.
- Fire extinguisher in case of small fires while evacuating.
Important Documents
In a wildfire evacuation, you may have to leave quickly, and having important documents accessible is crucial. Store these in a waterproof container to prevent damage from smoke or water. 📄💧
Critical Records
Here’s a list of documents you should include in your wildfire emergency kit:
- Identification (passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates).
- Insurance policies, including home, auto, and health.
- Medical records, including any important prescriptions.
- Financial documents: Bank account information, credit cards, and emergency cash.
- Property deeds: To prove ownership if needed for recovery.
Digital Backup
Create a digital backup of your important documents. Use a secure cloud storage service or an external hard drive so you can access them from anywhere—even if physical copies are lost in the chaos.
Wildfire Kit Maintenance
To ensure your emergency kit is always ready, you’ll need to review it regularly. Items in your kit can expire, batteries can drain, and the contents may change as your family’s needs evolve.
Seasonal Reviews
Inspect and refresh your kit at least twice a year—ideally before wildfire season begins. This ensures that:
- Food and medications are still within their expiration dates.
- Batteries are fresh.
- All tools and equipment are in working order.
- You’ve added any new items you might need (like extra masks or specific medicines).
Set a reminder to check your kit before each new season, and use this time to make any necessary updates or additions. Keeping your kit updated will save you time and stress when you need it most.
An emergency supply kit is more than just a collection of items—it’s a lifeline when you need it most. By assembling a comprehensive kit with essentials like food, water, first-aid supplies, and important documents, you’re ensuring that you can sustain yourself and your family during a wildfire emergency. Remember, this kit isn’t something to check off your to-do list and forget about—it needs to be maintained and updated regularly to keep it functional and effective. By preparing today, you provide security for tomorrow, ensuring that you are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.
🚨Want to do more? Donate to support creation of emergency supply kits for vulnerable communities or Get Trained as a Hope Force Reservist to assist in distributing critical supplies during a wildfire emergency.
Together, we can ensure families have the resources they need when disaster strikes. Your support makes it possible to help individuals prepare for the unexpected, offering them a better chance of staying safe and resilient during wildfires and other emergencies.
