Beyond the Go Bag: A Two-Tier Approach to Wildfire Emergency Preparedness
When it comes to wildfire preparedness, most homeowners are familiar with the concept of a "Go Bag" - a pre-packed collection of essentials you can grab during an evacuation. However, experience has taught us that a one-bag approach isn't always sufficient. What happens if you're at work when evacuation orders come? What if roads are closed and you can't make it home first?
At JR² Construction Inc, we recommend a more comprehensive two-tier approach to emergency preparedness that ensures you're protected regardless of where you are when disaster strikes.
Included FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN WORKSHEET PDF Link below
Why Two Bags Are Better Than One
Wildfire emergencies don't follow predictable patterns. They can accelerate quickly, cut off access routes, and leave people stranded away from home. By maintaining both an Everyday Carry (EDC) bag and a more comprehensive Home Evacuation bag, you create multiple layers of safety for yourself and your family.
Tier 1: The Everyday Carry (EDC) Bag
Your EDC bag should be compact enough to keep in your vehicle or at work consistently. Think of it as your "away from home" insurance policy - containing enough essentials to sustain you for 24-48 hours if you can't return home.
What to Include in Your EDC Bag
Water and Nutrition
The human body can survive only about three days without water, making hydration your top priority. Include:
A refillable 1-liter water bottle (refresh regularly)
6-8 high-calorie energy bars that won't melt in a hot car
Small packet of trail mix or jerky for protein
Water purification tablets in case you need to source water from natural supplies
Basic Medical Supplies
Medical needs don't pause during emergencies. Pack:
A compact first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and basic supplies
A 7-day supply of any critical medications you take regularly
Over-the-counter pain relievers
2-3 N95 masks for smoke protection
Hand sanitizer
Protection and Clothing
Weather conditions can change rapidly during emergencies. Include:
A compact emergency blanket (the silver space blanket type)
Lightweight rain poncho
Hat for sun protection or warmth
An extra pair of socks (wet feet can quickly lead to problems)
An extra set of clothing nothing fancy
Work gloves to protect your hands
A multipurpose bandana
Tools and Essentials
Simple tools can solve countless problems in emergency situations:
A reliable flashlight with extra batteries
Multi-tool with knife
Portable cell phone charger/power bank
Whistle for signaling
lighter
Small roll of duct tape
20 feet of paracord (useful for countless applications)
Documentation and Finances
When you're away from home, having access to key information is crucial:
Emergency contact card with important phone numbers
Laminated copies of essential identification and insurance information
Emergency cash ($50-100 in small bills)
Spare car and house key
Local area map with evacuation routes marked
List of emergency meeting locations for your family
Personal Items
Don't forget these easy-to-overlook essentials:
Spare eyeglasses or contacts if you wear them
Basic personal hygiene items
Sunscreen stick
Lip balm
Tier 2: The Home Evacuation Tote
Your home evacuation Tote builds upon the EDC foundation, providing more comprehensive supplies for a longer displacement. This is your traditional "Go Bag" that should be kept in an easily accessible location in your home.
What to Include in Your Home Evacuation Tote
Expanded Water and Food
Pack enough to sustain each family member for at least three days:
3 gallons of water per person (1 gallon per day is the minimum)
3-day supply of non-perishable food items that require minimal preparation
Manual can opener and basic eating utensils
A small cooking pot that can serve multiple purposes
Additional energy-dense snacks
Complete Medical Kit
Expand beyond basics with:
A more complete first aid kit including bandages, gauze, antiseptic, tweezers
2-week supply of all necessary medications
Extra prescription glasses
Additional N95 masks (10+)
More comprehensive personal hygiene supplies
Feminine hygiene products if needed
Disinfecting wipes
Toilet paper and moist towelettes
Basic first aid manual or guide
Extended Clothing and Bedding
Prepare for a range of conditions with:
Two complete changes of clothing per person
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots
Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (protection from embers)
Sleeping bag or blanket for each family member
Additional thermal blankets
Warm hat and gloves (even in summer, nights can get cold)
Comprehensive Documentation
Protect important information with:
Complete waterproof document portfolio containing:
Insurance policies and agent contact information
Identification documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.)
Bank account records and financial information
Property deeds or leases
Medical records including immunizations
Important family photos
Additional cash ($200-300 in various denominations)
Checkbook and credit cards
External hard drive with digital backups of important files
Pet Provisions
Don't forget about four-legged family members:
3-day food supply for each pet
Water (1 gallon per day per average-sized pet)
Any required medications
Appropriate carrier or crate
Leash, harness, and collar with ID
Waste management supplies
Current photos of pets (in case of separation)
Familiar items to reduce stress (toy, blanket)
Supplies for over achievers
Shelter and Tools
Enhance your self-sufficiency with:
Tent or tarp with rope for emergency shelter
Larger, higher-output flashlight
Headlamp (keeps hands free)
Full-size multi-tool
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Compact folding shovel
Heavy-duty work gloves
Small fire extinguisher
Additional duct tape
Heavy-duty trash bags (multiple uses)
Enhanced Communication Tools
Stay informed and connected with:
Detailed local maps with multiple evacuation routes clearly marked
List of emergency shelters and predetermined meeting points
Contact information for out-of-area family or friends
Multiple charging options for cell phones
High-capacity backup battery pack
Notebook and pen for notes or messages
Emergency whistle
The "Grab If Time Allows" List
If evacuation warnings provide enough time, consider these additional items:
For clients who own a safe containing large valuables, we recommend considering a secure chest placed near your safe. This chest would be large enough to temporarily hold the items from your safe and offer a secure locking mechanism, and allow for easy transport.
Valuable jewelry that's easy to transport
Irreplaceable family photos and memorabilia
Computer equipment and additional backup drives
Extra clothing beyond the basics
Family heirlooms with significant emotional value
Comfort items for children (favorite stuffed animals, etc.)
Additional food and water supplies
Specialty equipment based on your family's needs
Maintaining Your Emergency Kits
Even the best-prepared emergency kits become ineffective if not properly maintained:
Check your EDC bag monthly, especially items stored in vehicles where temperature extremes can affect food and batteries
Inspect your home evacuation tote quarterly
Replace food and water every six months
Update documentation as your situation changes (new insurance policies, etc.)
Test all flashlights and equipment regularly
Rotate medications before they expire
Adjust clothing seasonally
Building Your Family Emergency Plan
Your emergency kits work best when combined with a comprehensive family plan:
Designate primary and secondary meeting locations:
One close to home for minor emergencies
One outside your neighborhood in case your area is inaccessible
Establish a communication protocol
Identify an out-of-area contact person everyone can report to
Practice your evacuation routes at different times of day
Review and update your plan annually
Ensure all family members know where both emergency bags are stored
Create contact cards for each family member to carry
Final Thoughts
Emergency preparedness isn't just about having supplies—it's about creating peace of mind. Knowing you have the essentials covered regardless of where you are when disaster strikes allows you to make clearer decisions during high-stress situations.
While we hope you never need to use these emergency kits, having them properly prepared can make the difference between a manageable emergency and a traumatic disaster. Combined with proper home hardening techniques, these preparations create multiple layers of protection for your family.
Get Professional Assessment
Our team at JR2 Construction specializes in comprehensive home hardening strategies that work in conjunction with your emergency preparedness plans. We can help evaluate your property's specific vulnerabilities and recommend targeted improvements.
Contact Us
Schedule your comprehensive site visit today:
Call or text: (530) 451-6167
Email: joe@jr2construction.com
Let's work together to protect your home and family from wildfire threats—before you need that Go Bag.
This is Part 5 of our Home Hardening Assessment series.
