Wildfire Season Emergency Preparedness Bag 2025 [Episode 37]

Southern California’s second “wildfire season” is here—driven by Santa Ana winds that turn small sparks into fast-moving fires and trigger proactive utility shut-offs. In this episode, I walk through how I update my Emergency Preparedness Bag for this season: what stays, what changes, and why. I share real-world evacuation lessons, how I prep for multi-day power outages, and the mindset behind building a bag that actually works when you have to move fast (including considerations for evacuating with a large dog).

You’ll see my current setup (built around a 5.11 patrol bag), power-outage planning with a home battery + solar, thoughts on comms while I study for ham radio, and an honest review of “single-use” survival items that look great on paper but fail in practice. I also add a smoke-focused gas mask setup for short, safe egress in heavy smoke—plus a simple docs/keys plan so I’m never scrambling.

What’s Inside My Bag (Highlights)

Links to all gear can be found here on Amazon

• Context & Strategy: Why SoCal has a second wildfire season; PSPS (utility shut-offs) and evacuation realities; how I plan for fridge/freezer uptime during 3-day outages.

• Bag & Purpose: 5.11 patrol bag for fast vehicle deployment and hands-free dog management.

• High-Viz Fire Blanket: Primarily to shield/handle my 85-lb dog during a fast exit and signal responders.

• Documents & Access: Fire-retardant pouch with passports/keys; quick-grab folders for pet medical records.

• Food & Warmth: Select ReadyWise pouches; notes on nutrition vs. reality; SOL Escape Lite Bivvy (why it’s truly single-use and what I’d do instead).

• Power & Comms: Hand-crank/solar AM/FM radio; rechargeable AA/AAA workflow; studying for ham radio.

• Medical Readiness:

  • Leatherman Raptor shears, Naloxone, BP cuff (manual + wrist), thermometer, pulse oximeter, penlight

  • Hygiene kit (hand washing + dental care to prevent bigger problems)

  • SAM Splint, notebook (directions, vitals), hand warmers

• Tools & Lighting: Backup rechargeable flashlight; Leatherman Surge (Arc for EDC).

• Shelter Aids: 550 paracord (hi-viz), tarp (kept in vehicle) for quick A-frame if needed.

• CBRN-Adjacent (Smoke Egress): MIRA CM-8 mask with hydration + spectacle kit; filters tailored for smoke exposure to buy safe time to evacuate.

Key Takeaways

• Build seasonally: match your kit to your most likely risks (here: wind-driven fire spread + power shut-offs).

• Plan the boring logistics: documents, spare keys, pet needs, and where you’ll actually go if shelters aren’t pet-friendly.

• Test gear before you trust it (some “emergency” items are one-and-done in real life).

• Keep hygiene & simple medical tools—small habits prevent big problems.

• Comms matter: even a basic radio can keep you informed when cell/data fails.

Gear Mentioned (for easy reference)

5.11 patrol bag • High-viz fire blanket • Fire-retardant document pouch • ReadyWise meals • SOL Escape Lite bivvy • Hand-crank/solar AM/FM radio • Rechargeable AA/AAA batteries • Leatherman Raptor shears • Naloxone • Manual BP cuff + wrist cuff • Thermometer • Hygiene & dental kit • 550 paracord • Notebook (Rite-in-the-Rain style) • SAM Splint • Stethoscope • Rechargeable flashlight • Leatherman Surge • MIRA Safety CM-8 + hydration canteen + spectacle kit • Home battery + solar panel (testing fridge/freezer runtime)

Disclaimers

I’m not a fire science or CBRN specialist. This video reflects my professional background in security/emergency response and my personal preparedness approach. If you’re a subject-matter expert, please drop clarifications/tips in the comments so we can all learn.

What’s Next

• Car Medical Kit loadout

• Review: North American Rescue premade IFAKs & rugged outdoor kit (what’s inside, what I’d upgrade, and whether they’re worth it)

Join the Conversation

What’s one item you’ve added (or removed) for wildfire season? Comment below so others can learn from your setup.