Why Everyone Family Needs a “Go Bag” Emergency Kit

Imagine this: it’s the middle of the night and you’re jolted awake by the piercing sound of your smoke alarm. The air is thick with smoke—the pan of cinnamon apple slices left on the stove has caught fire. Thankfully, you checked your smoke alarms last week and replaced the batteries last month. Your preparation helped save your home—and your life.

Now imagine a different kind of emergency.

It’s a hot, dry summer in Southern California. Wildfire season is in full swing, and gusty winds are fanning flames across your region. You’ve been tracking updates on Watch Duty, the wildfire alert app, and hoping the fires don’t head your way. But just as you're drifting off to sleep, the smoke alarm blares again—this time triggered by smoke carried in through your open window. A wildfire is close, and it's time to evacuate.

Your heart races. You grab your kids, alert your spouse—but what do you take with you?

The Importance of a Go Bag

Natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, and floods often strike without warning. In the chaos of evacuation, there’s rarely time to gather essentials. That’s why having a pre-packed emergency kit—or “go bag”—is so important.

A go bag is a portable kit filled with critical supplies your family might need if forced to evacuate quickly. Ideally, it should be kept in an easy-to-access spot and ready to grab at a moment’s notice.

What to Pack in Your Go Bag:

• At least 3 days’ worth of non-perishable food and water
• Change of clothes
• Extra eyewear (glasses, contacts, etc.)
• First aid kit and sanitation supplies
• Prescription medications
• Blanket and towel
• Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
• Copies of important documents (IDs, birth certificates, insurance info, etc.; all of these items should be in an electronic folder, but hard copies can help if you can gain access to electronic files)
• A paper map with at least two evacuation routes
• Flashlight and battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Charging cord and portable power bank for phones and devices; preferably one that can be recharged by solar
• Cash

Preparedness Can Save Lives

Your family’s safety is too important to leave to chance. Taking time now to prepare a go bag can make all the difference in an emergency—providing peace of mind and a plan when seconds count.

Need help reviewing your insurance coverage in case of disaster? We’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Schaub Insurance Agency today to make sure you’re fully protected.