Wildfire Safety Series, Part 3: Your Go-Bag

KRRA
1 hour ago
3 min read

In Kommetjie, we love our proximity to the mountain and the fynbos, but as we know all too well, that beauty comes with a seasonal risk. When a wildfire threatens, you may have only a few minutes to react. In Part 3 of our Wildfire Safety Series, we see a packed Go-Bag is important

Having a Go-Bag packed and ready isn’t about panic—it’s about peace of mind. It ensures that if the siren sounds or the evacuation order comes, you can move quickly, safely, and with everything you need for the hours or days ahead.

1. Why You Need a Go-Bag

Wildfires move with incredible speed, often fueled by our famous "South-Easter." In an emergency, power or communication networks can fail without warning. A pre-packed bag ensures you aren't wasting precious time searching for passports or chargers when every second counts.

Pro Tip: Keep your Go-Bag in an easy-to-reach spot, such as a hallway cupboard or in the boot of your car during the high-risk summer months.

2. What to Pack

👤 For Each Person

Identification: ID book, driver’s license, or passport (copies are fine).
Medication: A 3-day supply of essential prescriptions.
Tech: Phone, charger, and a fully charged power bank.
Finances: Cash and credit cards (remember, ATMs and card machines may go offline if the power is cut).
Clothing: Long sleeves (natural fibers like cotton are safer than synthetics), sturdy shoes, a hat, and a warm layer.
Protection: A mask or scarf to help reduce smoke inhalation.

🔦 Emergency Supplies

First Aid Kit: Plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, and bandages.
Light: A torch with extra batteries (a headlamp is even better as it keeps your hands free).
Nutrition: Water and high-energy snacks (enough for 24 hours).
Tools: A whistle for signaling and a local physical map in case GPS fails.

🐾 For Children and Pets

Comfort: A favorite toy or book to help calm children during a stressful move.
Pet Essentials: Leash, carrier, water bowl, and a small bag of food.
Records: A copy of vet and vaccination records.

📄 Important Documents

Keep digital and printed copies of the following in a waterproof pouch:

Insurance policies.
Medical aid details and emergency contacts.
A "Home Inventory": Recent photos or video of your home and belongings for insurance purposes.

3. Seasonal Maintenance

Preparation isn't a "one and done" task. Make it a habit to:

Check your bag every Spring: Replace expired meds, refresh snacks, and test your batteries.
Update for Kids: Review clothing sizes annually as children grow.
The "Last Minute" List: Tape a note to the top of your bag with items you can't pack in advance (e.g., "Grab laptop," "Grab hearing aids," "Grab Fluffy’s daily heart meds").

4. Stay Ready, Stay Safe

A well-packed Go-Bag is a simple, inexpensive way to protect your family. When the smoke rises, you won't be scrambling—you’ll be ready to focus on what matters most: getting yourself, your family, and your pets to safety.

🚨 EMERGENCY CONTACTS

From any phone: 021 480 7700
From a landline: 107

Next in the Series: Part 4 – Safeguard Your Home Financially: Insurance and Documentation. We’ll discuss how to ensure your cover is up to date and how to document your property effectively before a fire occurs.

Get Involved: To share concerns about community wildfire risks or learn about the KRRA’s local disaster management initiatives, contact info@kommetjie.org or reach out to Emily on 063 304 9068.