You Never Know When You’re Going to Have to Bug Out on Short Notice

The increasing unpredictability of global politics and the heightened frequency of natural disasters underscore the critical need for comprehensive emergency preparedness. Disasters, whether wildfires or blizzards, rarely occur on schedule, and essential supplies quickly vanish from stores in their wake. As of early 2026, the American West faces a particularly high risk of wildfires and related disruptions, primarily due to record-low winter snowpack levels that will lead to diminished water resources in the spring and summer.

Experts in disaster preparedness, including Jonathan Sury, a senior staff associate at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, and Charlie Woodrum, a preparedness lead for the National Weather Service, emphasize the critical importance of proactive planning and assembling emergency kits. These measures are essential for safeguarding family health and safety during events such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires, or failures of critical infrastructure.

Disaster preparedness, however, is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as different emergencies demand distinct responses. Sury outlines two primary scenarios families should be ready for:

1. The "Bug Out" Scenario (Rapid Evacuation): This involves a swift departure with a "go bag" containing only the barest essentials. A sudden wildfire, for instance, could necessitate immediate evacuation. A go bag for this scenario would typically include a three-day supply of water, purification tablets or portable water filters, a reliable flashlight, and spare batteries. The focus is on portability and immediate functionality.

2. **The "