Pack These Now: 6 Fire Kit Essentials

The best source for fire updates may be your local news station.

• American Red Cross Solarlink FR360 radio with flashlight; powered by batteries, solar power, or hand crank. $50 (Or this newer $40 version on Amazon.com)

Another essential electronic: Cell/smartphone To communicate with scattered family members. Designate an out-of-town emergency contact—long-distance calls may be easier to make than local ones.

• Kashi TLC granola bars. $4.30/box of six ($11.60/pack of four boxes Amazon.com)

Ready to eat, no refrigeration required—think trail mix and sports bars. Pack water too.

• Nonskid pet bowl. From $3.70; at Target stores

Bring a couple of days’ worth of water and food, plus a crate or carrier for Fido and/or Fluffy.

• Mag-Lite LED 2-Cell D flashlight. From $29, Amazon.com

Because the power often fails during large wildfires.

• Johnson & Johnson Deluxe First Aid Kit. $20; target.com

You probably have this already for quakes and storms—make sure it’s fully stocked and that you know where it is.

• Box of 20 from $7.50; amazon.com

Even if you evacuate early, you may run into some smoke.