What to Pack in an Evacuation Bag

You have five minutes to evacuate your home…what do you pack? It’s easy to panic and throw everything in sight into your military bag. But, unfortunately, this often leads to forgetting your survival essentials. With a little preparation and practice, you can be ready well before any wildfire or natural disaster. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation and what to pack in an evacuation bag.

Before You Start

Fire agencies and departments recommend not waiting for evacuation orders – and so do we. If it’s possible, get out early to avoid the inevitable traffic jams that happen after evac notifications. Make sure your evacuation bag is packed in advance to ensure you're ready to go. 

Only have a 5-minute notice? Knowing what to pack in an emergency evacuation bag helps prevent overpacking while ensuring you’ve packed your necessary military survival gear.

5-Minute Evacuation List

First Aid & Sanitation Supplies

Whether it’s your storm shelter supplies, winter emergency kit, or wildfire evacuation bag, you’ll always need first aid. You can pack a ready-made emergency first aid kit or pack your own with supplies like bandages, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes. What to pack in an evacuation bag:

• First Aid Kit
• Any prescription medications
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene
• N95 face mask (recommended) or another face covering

Copies of Important Documents

You don’t know when or if you’ll have access to your home again. That’s why it’s critical you pack copies of all your important documents – birth certificate, passport, insurance, etc. Keep everyone’s documents in one place for quick and easy access.

Survival Gear

Your 5-minute evacuation list will differ slightly from your home disaster supply kit essentials. Evacuation bags, or go bags, provide the must-have items for survival during an evacuation or temporary displacement – usually 72 hours. Disaster preparedness kits typically include more items because they’re designed for survival without utilities and grocery store access; they may be packed with survival essentials for 72+ hours. Here’s what to pack in an evacuation bag:

• Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife
• Dust Mask or Bandana
• Flashlights - You should pack at least one flashlight in your bag and keep another by your bed. This is essential for providing light in case of power outages and sudden night evacuations.
• Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio - Radios ensure you’re up-to-date with emergency info.
• Survival Whistle - Whistles are crucial for signaling for help or assistance.

Extra Clothes

Clothing is likely the last thing in mind when considering how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation – but it’s no less important. You should have at least one change of clothes in your pack. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are preferred for greater protection and warmth. Another optional but helpful item? A woobie blanket. They provide lightweight protection not just for camping and military use but also in emergency situations.

Non-Perishable Food & Water

Wondering what else to pack in an evacuation bag? Two basic survival essentials: you must include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and 3 gallons of water per person (and pet!). Some great non-perishable foods include military MREs, canned beans, canned fruits and vegetables, and tuna packs. Don’t forget to include a can opener if you’re packing canned food!

Evacuation Tip: Consider using a wheeled chest or something similar for easier transport to your car.

Evacuation Route Map

If you’re learning how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation, you should know your road evacuation routes. This is crucial for safety and swift action during fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Ensure an organized and efficient evacuation by learning at least two different evacuation routes. Mark them on a paper map and keep the map readily accessible in your bag. WiFi and phone service may be unreliable – or unavailable – during emergency situations.

Additional 5-Minute Evacuation List Items

Pack these ONLY if you have additional time to spare:

• Easy-to-carry valuables
• Family photos or irreplaceable items
• Laptops and chargers
• Hard drives
• Cash
• Books, games, or activities for children
• Other personal items

Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

Knowing what to pack in an evacuation bag will save valuable time in case of emergency – and so will packing your bag in advance. Be ready for anything by grabbing your essentials now at Army Surplus World. From survival gear to military clothing, we have everything you need for wildfire preparedness.