Prepare for emergencies with go bags, gas

“It’s a horrible lesson that we can hopefully use to avoid a similar situation for ourselves in the future,” Firpo said. “Taking a few steps toward your preparedness now will make your experience somewhat less stressful and your recovery, if you do get impacted, a little smoother.” 

Packing a “go bag” that is “customized to yourself” is of importance, Firpo said. In addition to a change of clothes and a supply of nonperishable food and water for three days, items such as eyeglasses and necessary prescriptions or medications should also be remembered. In the bag should also be extra car keys, cash in small denominations, and a printed map of the nearby area with noted evacuation zones. For safety, a first aid kit and sanitation supplies, as well as a flashlight should be added. 

Firpo also recommends considering packing a source of entertainment for yourself or children, including a book or deck of cards. 

“When there will be a little bit of down time, and there will be down time, it’s good to have something to distract and lighten to load a bit,” Firpo said. 

Placing the “go bag” near the door or in the trunk of a car is ideal, but Firpo also said she stashes similar necessities in places where she frequents. Having multiple “go bags” may be advisable, such as for work or in a children’s locker at school.

“You don’t know where you’re going to be when disaster hits or when you have to move,” Firpo said. 

Although San Mateo County is not unfamiliar with similar devastation or necessary evacuation orders, the Department of Emergency Management hopes to dismantle any suggestion that preparing ahead is an overreaction or induces paranoia.  

“Sometimes people think if they don’t think about something it won’t happen to them, but it’s proven that your mind works like a database,” Firpo said. “When something happens, it refers to past experiences, even if you’ve at least given it some thought, your mind has something to refer to in that database.” 

It is strongly recommended to families to also establish a meeting point and communication plan in the case of an emergency, Firpo said. 

The department will be hosting a free Wildfire Safety webinar at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 21, to respond to any raised concern or questions residents may be having. Visit smcgov.zoom.us/j/82550368887#success to log on. 

“Taking those steps to prepare isn’t something that makes you more scared, it’s more empowering,” Firpo said. “That’s our goal to make people more resilient and empowered to face any emergency and be better prepared and more confident when they’re helping themselves and their neighbors.”