Emergency ‘Go Bags’ Critical for Disaster Preparedness, Fire Chief Says

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin is urging all local residents to get ready for any disaster that Mother Nature may throw at us next by preparing a “Go Bag.”

Having a Go Bag packed with essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents will save precious time during an evacuation. During the Eaton Fire, many residents had only a few minutes (or even seconds) to flee.

Authorities agree every household should maintain portable emergency kits containing essential supplies to survive independently for several days after a disaster, according to the United States government’s Ready.gov preparedness website. These kits provide vital resources when access to food, water, or utilities is disrupted.

A basic kit requires one gallon of water daily per person, non-perishable food, a flashlight, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, first aid supplies, batteries, and critical tools like a manual can opener.

The guidelines emphasize storing items in airtight containers and easy-to-carry duffel bags or plastic bins.

Additional recommended items include prescription medications, pet supplies, cash, digital copies of insurance policies, and climate-appropriate clothing. With approximately 50 percent of Americans relying on daily prescriptions, medication organization remains a priority for emergency planning.

Essential items for a comprehensive go bag include:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
• A map with at least two evacuation routes
• Necessary prescriptions and medications
• Change of clothes and extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
• First aid kit and sanitation supplies
• Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Copies of important documents such as birth certificates and passports
• Pet food and water

Ready.gov advises storing kits in accessible home locations, workplaces, and vehicles to account for unpredictable disaster scenarios. Kits should be updated annually, with expired items replaced and family needs reassessed.

“Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Taking the time to plan ahead and have a Go Bag ready ensures you can evacuate quickly and safely.”