X

Pack These Now: 6 Fire Kit Essentials

What to keep on hand for when a fire gets close to your house

Sunset
1 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Radio

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

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.

2 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Food

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

3 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Pet supplies

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

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

4 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Flashlight

Because the power often fails during large wildfires.

5 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

First-aid kit

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

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

6 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Face masks

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