Wildfire go bag checklist (US): what Ready.gov says to pack and plan

Updated on October 27, 2026How these pages are written (in French)

This page is for households in the United States who live where wildfires can happen. It is an independent summary of three Ready.gov pages from FEMA: Wildfires, Build a Kit and Evacuation, as they read on 27 October 2026. It covers the go bag, the evacuation plan, alerts, smoke and the return home.

Ready.gov's wildfire page is direct: "Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so."

It also asks you to:

• Follow local authorities: "Follow the instructions from local authorities." Ready.gov says they will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community.
• Check shelters: check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters.
• Consider friends or family: Ready.gov suggests making plans to shelter with friends or family where you may be safer and more comfortable.

If you are trapped, Ready.gov says: "If trapped, call 9-1-1 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible." It adds: "Turn on lights to help rescuers find you."

Ready.gov's wildfire page asks you to "Have enough supplies for your household, including a first aid kit, in your go bag or car trunk." For the wildfire threat specifically, it adds:

• An N95 mask: "If available, store an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation."
• Phone power: "Keep your cell phone charged when wildfires could be in your area." It also suggests buying backup charging devices to power electronics.

For the rest, Ready.gov's Build a Kit page lists basic disaster supplies, including:

• Water: one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
• Radio: a battery-powered or hand crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Light and signal: a flashlight, extra batteries and a whistle.
• First aid kit.
• Phone: a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
• Sanitation: moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties.
• Tools and maps: a wrench or pliers, and local maps.

Based on your needs, the Build a Kit page also suggests prescription and non-prescription medications, glasses or contact lens solution, infant supplies, pet food, cash, copies of important family documents (insurance policies, identification, bank account records), a complete change of clothing suited to your climate and sturdy shoes.

Ready.gov recommends storing items in airtight plastic bags and putting the whole kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers. For the full list, see our basic emergency kit page.

Ready.gov's wildfire page warns about flammable or combustible household products that can cause fires or explosions if handled wrong. It names aerosols, cooking oils, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer is also on the Build a Kit list. Ready.gov's wildfire page does not tell you to leave it out, only to be cautious when carrying it.

Ready.gov's wildfire page asks you to make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to evacuate quickly. It adds: "Don't forget a plan for the office, kids' school or daycare and anywhere you frequent."

Under "Know your evacuation zone", it asks you to:

• Learn your evacuation routes and practice them, including with pets.
• Choose a destination in advance.

Ready.gov's Evacuation page adds these points:

• Several destinations: pick places in different directions, such as a friend's home in another town or a motel.
• A communication plan: agree on a meeting place and an out-of-state contact.
• Who carries the go bag: make sure everyone knows where the go bag is and who is responsible for it.
• Pets: take them with you, but know that most public shelters only accept service animals. Find a place that accepts pets before you need it.

Ready.gov's Evacuation page recommends keeping a half tank of gas at all times, in case you need to evacuate unexpectedly. If evacuation seems likely, it says to fill the tank, because gas stations may be closed or unable to pump during power outages.

It also suggests:

• One car per household when you evacuate, to reduce congestion.
• A portable emergency kit kept in the car.

If you do not have a car, Ready.gov says to plan your departure in advance with family, friends or local emergency management, and to have a go bag you can carry on foot or on public transportation.

Ready.gov's wildfire page recommends having several ways to receive alerts:

• The FEMA app: it sends real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
• Community alerts: "Sign up for community alerts in your area."
• Air quality alerts: "Pay attention to air quality alerts."

Ready.gov's wildfire page says to use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation, or to limit your exposure to smoke in these ways:

• One clean room: choose a room you can close off from outside air, and set up a portable air cleaner or filter to keep the air in that room clean.
• Central air: use high efficiency filters in your central air conditioning system to capture fine particles from smoke. If your system has a fresh air intake, set it to "recirculate" mode and close the outdoor intake damper.

If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, Ready.gov says to stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.

If you are sick and need medical attention, Ready.gov says to contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible.

Ready.gov says to wait until authorities say it is safe to return. Its Evacuation page adds that you should check with local officials, both where you are staying and back home, before you travel.

Once you are back, the wildfire page says:

• Watch the ground: "Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris and live embers." Ready.gov warns that the ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
• Protect yourself during cleanup: wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes.
• Limit dust: "Use a respirator to limit your exposure, and wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles." Ready.gov says people with asthma, COPD or other lung conditions should take precautions in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen symptoms.
• Document damage: "Document property damage with photographs." Then make an inventory and contact your insurance company.
• Keep phone lines free: send text messages or use social media to reach family and friends. "Make calls only in emergencies."

The Evacuation page also says to stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility company. On generators, it says to use them only outside and away from your home, and never to run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home's electrical system.

• FEMA, Ready.gov, Wildfires: alerts, plan, evacuation zone, supplies, smoke, returning home (page last updated 08/11/2026, accessed 27 October 2026)
• FEMA, Ready.gov, Build a Kit: basic disaster supplies kit and additional items (page last updated 07/01/2026, accessed 27 October 2026)
• FEMA, Ready.gov, Evacuation: planning, car, pets, returning home (page last updated 03/20/2026, accessed 27 October 2026)

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