10-second answer: Wildfire evacuation is mobility, not comfort. One backpack per adult: N95s, 3 days water, crank radio, cash, documents pouch, 7-day meds. Keep it by the front door, not in the garage. Standard go-bag: ~$210. Budget: ~$90.
Red Flag warnings mean conditions can turn a spark into a running fire in minutes. Evacuation orders often arrive with 10–15 minutes of lead time — not an afternoon to pack. This is a go-bag, not a home blackout kit.
Need the printable checklist? Open 30-Second Kit Overview in the sidebar — copy or share it to your phone notes.
Before Fire Season — Do This Once
- Sign up for county alerts (Nixle, CodeRED, local reverse 911)
- Drive two evacuation routes in daylight — note choke points
- Keep gas tank ≥ half full March–November
- Store go-bag inside near front door; pet carriers pre-loaded
5-Minute Evacuation Drill
- Grab go-bags + pets + phones
- Shut garage if time allows — leave interior lights on
- Load car; take photos of valuables for insurance
- Text out-of-state contact with route and destination
Time yourself. Under 5 minutes to wheels rolling is the goal.
Related Guides
- Apartment 24-Hour Starter Kit — shelter-in-place alternative
- Power Outage 72-Hour Kit — home blackout, not evacuation
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