A practical wildfire evacuation go bag checklist: documents, medications, pets, respiratory protection and how evacuation alerts and orders work.
- Pack at the first alert, not the evacuation order.
- Carry prescriptions, ID, paper phone numbers and respirators.
- Pets, children and older adults need their own plan.
Wildfire evacuations can come with very little warning, and the power is often cut before you are told to leave. A go bag that is packed and sitting by the door turns a frantic scramble into a calm ten-minute exit. This list is built for a household that may need to leave quickly and stay away for several days.
It pairs with our general go bag vs 72-hour kit guide, and with the wider wildfire smoke and evacuation guide.
Know the alert levels first
Terms differ by place. In Canada, local authorities usually issue an evacuation alert (be ready to leave on short notice) and then an evacuation order (leave now). In many parts of the US you will hear "Ready, Set, Go": Ready means prepare now, Set means be packed and watching closely, and Go means leave immediately. Check your own municipality or county for its exact wording and sign up for local alerts (see alerts and outage reporting).
The practical rule: pack at the first alert, not the order. Once you are told to go, follow the route officials name, even if another road looks shorter.
Documents and money
- Photo ID, health cards or insurance cards, and passports if you have them
- Copies of home and vehicle insurance, plus recent photos or video of each room
- A list of phone numbers written on paper, since phones can die or lose signal
- Some small bills and coins (see emergency cash and important documents)
- A USB drive or a phone backup of key files
Medications and health items
Pack at least a few days of every prescription, in original labelled containers, along with a written list of drugs, doses and allergies. Add glasses or spare contacts, hearing aid batteries and any devices you rely on. If you use refrigerated medication, see our guide on keeping insulin and medications cold. Include a basic first aid kit (see first aid kit contents).
Smoke and breathing protection
Smoke is a health risk well beyond the fire zone. Public health agencies in Canada and the US generally recommend well-fitting respirators such as N95 or equivalent for smoke exposure, rather than cloth or surgical masks, which do not filter fine smoke particles well. Keep a few in the bag. Know that a respirator can make breathing harder, and people with heart or lung conditions should talk with their provider about use. Children need masks sized for them, and many standard respirators do not fit small faces, so check the maker's guidance.
Clothing, light and power
- Three days of clothing, sturdy closed shoes, a hat and a warm layer per person
- A headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries (see headlamps and lanterns)
- A hand-crank or battery radio for official updates
- A fully charged power bank and charging cables (see power banks)
- Toiletries, menstrual products, diapers and wipes as needed
Food, water and comfort
Pack ready-to-eat food that needs no cooking, such as bars, nut butter, crackers and canned items with a pull tab, plus a manual can opener. Carry water: about 4 litres (1 gallon) per person per day is the standard planning figure, though in a car you may only manage a smaller supply and refill later. Add a small comfort item for each child.
Pets and people with special needs
Pets need their own bag: food, a collapsible bowl, leash, carrier, vaccination records, a recent photo and any medication. Many emergency shelters do not accept pets, so identify pet-friendly lodging ahead of time (see pets in a power outage). Older adults and anyone with mobility needs should arrange a ride and a helper in advance.
Final steps before you leave
- Close windows and doors, but do not lock the gate if responders may need access.
- Turn off gas supply only if instructed by officials.
- Leave a note saying where you are going.
- Tell a contact outside the area (see family communication plan).
Keep it ready all season
Store the bag where everyone can reach it, such as a hall closet or by the garage door, and tell every adult and older child where it is. Put a copy of the packing list on the inside so you can check items quickly. Refresh water, snacks, batteries and medications at the start of each fire season, and swap seasonal clothing. Practise a quick drill once a year: time how long it takes to load the car, collect pets and leave. Fix whatever slowed you down.
Quick answers
What is the difference between an alert and an order?
An alert means be ready to leave on short notice, while an order means leave now. Local wording varies, so check what your authority uses.
How often should I refresh the bag?
Check it every six months, and again at the start of fire season, to replace expired food, medication and batteries.