With the advent of all of the fires in the Bay Area, we asked John and Sophia Tidwell what they pack in the go bag they leave by their front door in case of emergency.

This is what is in their go bag:

• One gallon of water

• Nonperishable snacks
• Nonperishable snacks
• Toiletries
• Change of clothing
• First Aid kit
• Flashlight (extra batteries or solar)
• Radio (extra batteries or solar)
• Prescriptions (in bottles w/label) and medicine
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizer
• Cell phone charger, cord and power pack
• Cash
• Copies of important documents (i.e. passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, insurance etc.)
• Photos of the personal property in the house
• List of important numbers (including bank accounts) and passwords
• Notebook and pen

There should be a note on the go bag to add the following as you leave:

• Cell phone
• Credit cards
• Computer (or external drives)

You will need to supplement for pets, children or the elderly.

The assumption is that we will be fleeing a fire and can find shelter within 24 hours. Thus, we do not have the 6 gallons of water and 3 days’ worth of food that some recommend.

No time like the present to get prepared!