When it comes to fire emergencies, preparation can save lives. Having a well-thought-out fire emergency kit means you and your family can evacuate quickly and safely if disaster strikes.
At Pacific Restoration & Construction, we’ve walked with countless families through the aftermath of devastating fires. As a leading fire restoration company in Sonoma County, we know the difference a few prepared items can make in those first chaotic moments. Here’s a guide to help you build a room-by-room emergency kit that’s both practical and personal.
General Guidelines: What Every Fire Emergency Kit Should Include
Before we break things down by room, let’s go over the essentials you should have in every fire emergency kit:
- Important documents (copies of ID, insurance policies, deeds)
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- N95 masks (to protect from smoke inhalation)
- Portable phone charger
- Cash in small bills
- Emergency contact list
- Water
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Now let’s take a room-by-room look at what else to add.
Bedroom Essentials
Your bedroom is where you’ll likely be if a fire starts at night, so your kit here needs to focus on fast escape and nighttime-specific items.
What to Include
- Flashlight within arm’s reach of your bed
- A whistle to alert others in the house
- Spare keys (car and house)
- Emergency ladder (for second-story bedrooms)
- A pair of sturdy shoes and socks in a go-bag
- Prescription medications (3-day supply)
- Glasses or contacts with a case and solution
- Copies of critical documents in a waterproof bag
Tip from the Field
Keep your kit under your bed or in your nightstand drawer, somewhere easily reachable in the dark or through thick smoke.
Kids’ Room Essentials
If you have children, prepping their room is all about comfort, clarity, and keeping panic at bay.
What to Include
- Child-sized N95 masks
- Small flashlight with easy on/off
- ID bracelets with emergency contact info
- Favorite small toy or blanket (emotional comfort is critical)
- Pre-packed backpack with a change of clothes, snacks, and a water pouch
Pro Tip
Run regular family fire drills and practice grabbing their kit as part of the routine. Keeping everyone safe is the first step in the path to recovery after a fire.
Pet Area Essentials
Your pets are family too. If you have animals, prepping their essentials in advance is just as important.
What to Include
- Extra leash or pet carrier
- Small bag of pet food and collapsible bowl
- Copy of vaccination records
- Comfort item (blanket, toy)
- Waste bags or litter essentials
Bathroom Essentials
While it may not seem critical, the bathroom often houses key personal hygiene and medication supplies.
What to Include
- Travel-size toiletries (toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer)
- Sanitary supplies (pads, tampons, diapers if needed)
- Moist towelettes
- Extra contact lenses or hygiene prescriptions
Kitchen Essentials
The kitchen is typically where your fire extinguisher lives, but it’s also a hub for tools that can help in an emergency.
What to Include
- Fire blanket or second extinguisher (check expiration date annually)
- Manual can opener
- Extra batteries (if stored here)
- Bottled water supply
- Emergency radio (battery-powered or crank)
Safety Reminder
Never store your primary emergency kit in the kitchen. Fires often start here, making access difficult when you need it most.
Garage or Utility Room Essentials
Your garage may house key tools and supplies, some of which can help or hinder you in a fire emergency.
What to Include
- Fire-resistant gloves
- Crowbar or wrench to shut off gas or water
- Duct tape
- Tool kit
- Extra flashlights
- Heavy-duty mask for smoke and ash exposure
This is also a good place to store a secondary go-bag if you exit through the garage.
Home Office Essentials
If you work from home or store documents in an office, this room needs special attention.
What to Include
- Portable hard drive or cloud-based backup of important files
- Laptop or tablet (if possible)
- List of passwords (in a secure format)
- Extra chargers and power bank
Car Emergency Kit
Don’t forget to keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you live in a high-risk fire zone in Sonoma County.
What to Include
- Blanket
- Road flares or reflectors
- Maps (in case GPS goes down)
- Extra phone charger
- Change of clothes
- Small first-aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Spare water and protein bars
Prepare Now, Not Later
At Pacific Restoration & Construction, we’ve seen firsthand the relief and safety a well-stocked emergency kit can provide, and how quickly lives can turn in its absence. If you’ve already experienced fire damage or are planning for future risks, save our number, (888) 335-3934, or contact us online today.
