Preparing for wildfires: how to create a go-bag

We have already had a busy fire season here in Colorado. Some of those fires have even prompted evacuations, and it’s important to be prepared if you have to leave quickly.

It really is easy to think it won’t happen to you — a spark, a little wind and the next thing you know, flames are bearing down on your home. The best way to leave in a hurry is to prepare a go-bag, a kit containing 72 hours worth of supplies for each person in your home.

Communication Specialist for the American Red Cross in Colorado and Wyoming Bill Fortune said, “Now we’re not saying be a survivalist necessarily, we’re saying be a practical, prepared person and make it portable”.

Some of the things you need to put in your kit are water, batteries, a radio, and flashlight. You should also include are a first-aid kit, battery backup for your phone, clothing, personal paperwork and medication. A lot of these items can be found in your own home. What you don’t have can be purchased in a store.

You also can’t forget your pet. Food, water, medication and a kennel are all things you’ll need to have ready to go for them in case of an emergency.

“It’s peace of mind,” said Fortune, “You can go to sleep at night thinking, ‘if something bad happened, I could just grab my kit and be out the door'”.

If you don’t want to make your own kit, you can purchase premade 72-hour kits on the American Red Cross website.