- Go-Bag Basics: Why You Need 72 Hours of Supplies
- What to Pack: A Checklist for Your 72-Hour Go-Bag
- How to Choose and Maintain a Portable Power Source
- How to Customize Your Go-Bag for Family and Pets
- Final Steps: Assembling Your Kit and Evacuation Plan
- Secure Your Safety and Peace of Mind!
- FAQs About Canada Wildfires Go-Bags
Wildfire Season in BC and Alberta: Building an Evacuation "Go-Bag" with a Reliable Portable Power Source
- Go-Bag Basics: Why You Need 72 Hours of Supplies
- What to Pack: A Checklist for Your 72-Hour Go-Bag
- How to Choose and Maintain a Portable Power Source
- How to Customize Your Go-Bag for Family and Pets
- Final Steps: Assembling Your Kit and Evacuation Plan
- Secure Your Safety and Peace of Mind!
- FAQs About Canada Wildfires Go-Bags
With the increasing frequency and intensity of canada wildfires, seasons in BC and Alberta have become dangerously unpredictable, meaning an evacuation alert might give you very little time to react. When you need to leave in a hurry, it's easy to feel rushed and forget critical items, especially with the risk of losing power and communication. To help you prepare, this guide offers a simple, step-by-step plan for packing a 72-hour emergency "go-bag." We'll cover all the essentials, with a special focus on choosing a reliable portable power source to keep you safe and connected.
Go-Bag Basics: Why You Need 72 Hours of Supplies
A "go-bag" is simply a kit you pack ahead of time with everything your household needs to be self-sufficient for at least three days.
Why 72 hours? This is the timeframe recommended by emergency preparedness officials across Canada, including in BC and Alberta. During a large-scale wildfire evacuation, it can take that long for emergency crews to get organised and provide support to everyone affected. The goal of your go-bag is to ensure you can look after yourself and your family during this critical initial period without needing outside help.
Having a bag ready is not about living in a state of worry. It is a practical step to reduce stress during an actual emergency. When an evacuation alert is issued, you can focus on getting your family
What to Pack: A Checklist for Your 72-Hour Go-Bag
Every go-bag should contain items from four core categories. Use this checklist as a guide to make sure you have the essentials covered.
Water and Food
Plan for four litres of water per person, per day; commercially bottled water is the safest choice. Pack non-perishable foods that are easy to open and eat, like canned tuna or beans, protein bars, dried fruit, and nuts. Be sure to include a manual can opener, since you can't rely on having electricity.
First-Aid and Personal Health
A good first-aid kit is a must-have, with things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain medication. If you take any prescription drugs, pack at least a week's supply and include a list of your medications and dosages. Smoke from canada wildfires can pose a health risk for hundreds of kilometres, making air quality a real danger even if you aren't near the flames. Everyone should have an N95 or P100 mask. Finally, add your daily hygiene items like a toothbrush and toothpaste, plus a spare pair of glasses if you need them.
Important Documents and Cash
Getting back on your feet after an evacuation is much easier if you have your important papers. You can either scan them onto a password-protected USB stick or keep paper copies in a waterproof bag. Make sure you have copies of passports, birth certificates, driver's licences, SIN cards, and key documents like your home insurance policy. It's also smart to have some cash in smaller bills, since debit might not work if the power is out.
Tools and Safety Gear
To stay informed if phone networks fail, pack a small battery-powered or crank radio. Include a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for each family member. A whistle is a simple but effective way to signal for help. A multi-tool can also be very useful. Finally, don't rely only on your phone's GPS; include physical maps of your local area and region.
How to Choose and Maintain a Portable Power Source
In an evacuation, your mobile phone is a lifeline. It connects you to critical updates from provincial systems like BC Emergency Alert and Alberta Emergency Alert (part of the national Alert Ready network), lets you contact family, and gives you access to maps and other resources. A portable power station ensures you can keep your phone and other small electronics charged when the power grid is down.
What to Look For in a Power Station
For an evacuation kit, a portable power station is far more capable than a small power bank. Here’s what to consider:
Capacity (Watt-hours or Wh): This tells you how much power the unit holds. A small station (150-300 Wh) is good for charging phones and headlamps multiple times. A medium station (300-600 Wh) is recommended for families, as it can handle more devices and may even run a laptop or a CPAP machine for a few hours.
Outputs: Check that it has the ports you need. Look for a combination of USB-A, USB-C, and at least one standard 120V AC (regular wall) plug.
Recharging Methods: A versatile unit can be recharged from a wall outlet (charge it before you leave), your car's 12V socket (useful during travel), and most importantly, portable solar panels. Solar capability is key for any evacuation that might last more than a couple of days.
How to Maintain Your Power Station
To make sure your power station works when you need it, a little maintenance is required:
For long-term storage, check the manufacturer's recommendation, but most suggest keeping the battery charged to about 80%.
Top it up to that level every 3 to 6 months to keep the battery healthy and ready for use.
Store it in a cool, dry, and accessible spot, such as a front closet or in the garage next to your go-bags.
This preparation ensures your most important communication tools will work when you need them most. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in your ability to stay informed and in touch.
How to Customize Your Go-Bag for Family and Pets
The main checklist covers the essentials, but it's important to add specific items for children, pets, or anyone in your household with unique needs.
For Children
An evacuation can be frightening for kids, so pack a favourite toy, book, or game for comfort. Also include kid-friendly snacks and any necessary supplies like diapers, wipes, and formula for infants and toddlers.
For Pets
Your pets need their own go-bag. Pack at least a three-day supply of their food and water, a sturdy leash and carrier, any medications, and a copy of their vaccination records. It's also a good idea to include a recent photo of you with your pet, which is very helpful for proving ownership if you get separated.
For Seniors and Medical Needs
For older family members or even neighbours you plan to help, prepare a clear list of their medical conditions, allergies, and their doctor's contact information. Be sure to pack spare batteries for essential equipment like hearing aids and include any necessary mobility aids.
Final Steps: Assembling Your Kit and Evacuation Plan
Now for the most important part: organizing everything so it actually works in an emergency. This means packing smart, storing the bags where you can grab them in a hurry, and making sure everyone in your family knows the plan.
Properly Pack Your Bags
Grab a sturdy backpack or duffel bag for each person. As you pack, try to keep the contents balanced and not too heavy. Remember, you might have to carry this for a while, so make sure it's a comfortable weight for whoever is responsible for it.
Store for a Quick Departure
Your go-bags should be stored in a location that is immediately accessible on your way out the door. The goal is to grab them and leave without any delay or searching. A front hall closet, the mudroom, or a clearly marked shelf in the garage are excellent choices. Accessibility is key.
Develop Your Household Evacuation Plan
A go-bag is only half the battle; you also need a plan. Talk it over with your family and make sure everyone is on the same page about these three things:
- Routes: Figure out at least two ways to drive out of your neighbourhood. One road might get blocked, so having a backup is key.
- Meeting Places: Pick two places to meet up. One should be close by, like the end of the street. The other should be further away, in case you can't get back into your area for a while.
- Alerts: Get everyone with a phone signed up for the official provincial and local emergency alerts. That’s the best way to get trusted information and instructions on what to do.
Keep Your Kits Ready with Regular Maintenance
Think of your go-bag as something that needs a check-up now and then. A good habit is to go through everything twice a year—maybe when you change the clocks or test your smoke detectors. Food, water, and medications expire, and batteries die. A quick refresh ensures your kit will actually be helpful when you need it most.
Secure Your Safety and Peace of Mind!
When it comes down to it, having a go-bag ready—especially one with a reliable power source—is one of the most effective ways to handle a wildfire evacuation safely. This isn't about being anxious; it's about taking control. Knowing you're prepared helps you stay calm and make clear decisions when things get stressful. So, don't put it off. Take some time this weekend to either pack your bags for the first time or update the ones you already have. It’s a simple action that provides real peace of mind for the future.
FAQs About Canada Wildfires Go-Bags
Q1: What is the difference between an evacuation ALERT and an evacuation ORDER?
A: An evacuation alert is a warning that you must be prepared to leave on very short notice. When you receive an alert, you should have your go-bags by the door and ensure your vehicle is ready. An evacuation order is a legal requirement to leave the area immediately for your safety. When an order is issued, you must leave right away by the designated routes.
Q2: Should I keep an emergency kit in my vehicle as well?
A: Yes, keeping a smaller kit in your car is an excellent idea. This vehicle kit should include items like booster cables, blankets, extra water and non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger that works in your car. During wildfire season, it is also very important to keep your car's fuel tank at least half full at all times.
Q3: How can I build a go-bag on a tight budget?
A: You don't have to buy everything at once. Start by gathering items you already have at home, like a spare backpack, flashlight, and extra toiletries. Then, add a few items to your regular grocery shopping list each week, such as canned goods or a case of water. Discount and dollar stores are also great places to find affordable first-aid supplies, tools, and other essentials for your kit.