Pack these now: 6 fire kit essentials

Radio

The best source for fire updates may be your local news station.

• American Red Cross Solarlink FR360 radio with flashlight; powered by batteries, solar power, or hand crank. $50

Another essential electronic: Cell/smartphone To communicate with scattered family members. Designate an out-of-town emergency contact—long-distance calls may be easier to make than local ones.

 

Food

Ready to eat, no refrigeration required—think trail mix and sports bars. Pack water too.

• Kashi TLC granola bars. $4.30/box of six

Pet supplies

Bring a couple of days’ worth of water and food, plus a crate or carrier for Fido and/or Fluffy.

• Nonskid pet bowl. From $3.70; at Target stores

Flashlight

Because the power often fails during large wildfires. 

• Mag-Lite LED 2-Cell D flashlight. From $29

First-aid kit

You probably have this already for quakes and storms—make sure it’s fully stocked and that you know where it is.

• Johnson & Johnson Deluxe First Aid Kit. $20; target.com

Face masks

Even if you evacuate early, you may run into some smoke.

• Box of 20 from $7.50; amazon.com