In recent years, devastating wildfires have swept through the Los Angeles area, compelling tens of thousands of Southern Californians to evacuate their homes. This escalating threat underscores the critical importance of fire safety and personal preparedness for any type of fire emergency. According to Jon Heggie, a retired division chief at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), home wildfire preparedness involves having all necessary items readily accessible if an evacuation order is issued. Heggie, now a project advisor at San Diego Gas & Electric specializing in operational field and emergency readiness, emphasizes that while a packed to-go bag with essentials like clothing, food, water, and medication is vital, it is equally beneficial to maintain a running list of where important documents and sentimental items are stored throughout the house.
"We don't want people to live in a constant state of fear and being packed, ready to go," Heggie explained. "But having that, you know — insurance papers, hall closet. Pictures, pick 'em up here. Know where those items are throughout your house to be able to grab and go at a moment's notice." Although planning cannot prevent emergencies, having the right supplies and a clear direction can significantly enhance safety for you and your family during a catastrophe. This principle applies to home fires as well, as noted by Michael Kozo, a captain and commanding officer of the New York City Fire Department's Fire Safety Education Unit.
Kozo highlights that home fire safety extends beyond merely having a 'go bag.' "We're talking a little bit more about preparedness in terms of fire safety education," he told HuffPost. "It's all about having an escape plan in your home. Have everybody in your home sit down together and go over an escape plan. Then you practice it." He identifies working, regularly tested smoke alarms in every room as the top priority for home fire preparedness, recommending monthly battery checks and dust removal to ensure functionality.
Whether assembling a to-go bag or equipping your home for fire emergencies, experts outline essential items to enhance readiness. Below is a detailed breakdown of crucial fire safety gear, based on recommendations from Heggie, Kozo, and other professionals.
Working Smoke Alarms in Every Room
"The number one thing where we can all start with being prepared in our home for fire is smoke alarms," Kozo stated. "There are quite a few statistics out there that say that having and maintaining working smoke alarms reduces your chances of dying in a fire by 50%. The number one thing we advocate and insist is that people have working smoke alarms in every room." After installation, he advises testing each alarm monthly to confirm proper operation and prevent dust accumulation. A 120-volt AC smoke detector with a 9-volt battery and a 10-year limited warranty is available for purchase individually or in packs of three, six, or twelve on Amazon, starting at $19.
A Fireproof Safe for Your Valuables
During a fire emergency, time is of the essence, and collecting valuables from various locations can be impractical. Krista Farley Raines, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region, recommends using a fireproof safe to store important items, providing peace of mind and facilitating a swift exit. This safety box is both fireproof and waterproof, capable of holding letter and A4 size documents. With a UL rating, it protects interior contents for up to 30 minutes when exposed to temperatures of 1,550 degrees, priced at $45 on Amazon.
Waterproof Flashlights and Batteries
Heggie points out that flashlights are invaluable in any emergency, particularly if a fire occurs at night. A set of two high-powered, waterproof flashlights is available for $9 or more on Amazon, and he stresses the importance of keeping extra batteries on hand for flashlights and other essential devices. AAA batteries can be purchased for $7.
Firefighter Rescue Alert Stickers
In the chaos of a fire, communicating who is inside the home may not be feasible. Farley Raines suggests placing firefighter rescue alert stickers on exterior windows and doors to guide rescue teams. These matte vinyl stickers, available in five sizes from Etsy for $4.25 or more, help firefighters locate children, elderly individuals, disabled residents, and pets.
Fire Escape Ladders
"Fire escape ladders provide a simple, easy-to-store way to help ensure that you and your family get out safely in the event of a house fire," Farley Raines said. "If you live in a two- or three-story home, you should have one ladder in every occupied room on floors above the main level." A tangle-free fire ladder measuring 13 feet and supporting up to 1,000 pounds is available on Amazon for $54 or more.
A Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station, weighing under 7 pounds, is praised for its ability to power electronics during emergencies. It features an AC outlet and two USB-A ports, allowing up to three devices to be charged simultaneously. The power station can be recharged using a car outlet or optional solar panels, ensuring functionality during power outages or evacuations. Priced at $159 on Amazon, it has received positive reviews for its portability and reliability.
A Hand-Crank Radio with Phone Charging Capability
This hand-crank weather radio includes seven pre-programmed NOAA weather stations to keep users informed about critical weather updates. Additional features include an LED flashlight, reading lamp, SOS alarm, compass, headphone jack, and emergency cell phone charger with USB input. Available on Amazon for $32 or more, it has been commended for its utility during power outages.
First-Aid Kit
Heggie notes that while every family's to-go bag will vary, a first-aid kit is a universal necessity. A comprehensive kit containing items from bandages to ibuprofen tablets is available on Amazon for $18.
Home Fire Extinguishers
Kozo advises keeping two home fire extinguishers: one in the kitchen for small fires and another in the bedroom for fires near sleeping areas. He clarifies that these are tools to aid safe evacuation, not to extinguish large blazes. "After about 45 seconds or so, the fire's gonna be beyond your control," he explained. "That extinguisher, you'll be able to knock down just enough fire where you'll be able to get out safe or maybe get to your children's bedroom or something like that." A two-pack is available on Amazon for $45.
Waterproof and Moisture-Proof Pill Organizer
Keep prescriptions secure and accessible with this waterproof and moisture-proof pill organizer, which has slots for each day of the week and a carrying handle for quick retrieval. It is priced at $20 or more on Amazon.
A Bag of Toiletries
In addition to first-aid supplies, Heggie recommends including toiletries for all family members in the to-go bag. A pre-assembled kit containing deodorant, toothpaste, a razor, and other essentials is available on Amazon for $15.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Kozo and Farley Raines both stress the importance of installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home. "A small amount of carbon monoxide can poison or kill a person if it is breathed in over a long period of time — such as overnight while sleeping," Farley Raines noted. A carbon monoxide alarm with a five-year lifespan and 9-volt battery is available on Amazon for $20, or as a two-pack for $30 at Target.
Supplies for Your Pet
Heggie urges families to include food and water for pets in their to-go bags, along with items like medications and extra leashes. A set of two collapsible food and water bowls, available in two sizes on Amazon for $6 or more, provides a convenient solution for pet care during emergencies.
A 2-Pack of 9-Volt Batteries
Farley Raines recommends replacing batteries in battery-powered smoke alarms at least annually, ideally during the time changes in spring and fall. Since many smoke and carbon monoxide detectors use 9-volt batteries, a two-pack from Energizer with a five-year shelf life is available for $7 at Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
