San Carlos officials outline go-bag checklist and evacuation steps ahead of fire season

Elena Fulvio, the city's emergency preparedness outreach coordinator, demonstrated the contents of an evacuation "go bag" and outlined simple steps residents should take as fire season arrives.

Fulvio told attendees she keeps multiple kits — one at home, one in her car and a separate bag for pets — and walked through the items she recommends packing, starting with water. "So the first aspect that's gonna keep you alive is water," she said, and added that she also includes electrolytes.

Why it matters: Wildfire and evacuation orders can disrupt water and power, and having portable supplies and documentation ready can shorten delays and reduce stress during an evacuation.

Fulvio recommended packing nonperishable foods that can be stored for months, keeping multiple forms of identification and documentation for household members and pets, and placing medications in a single sealed bag. She suggested a headlamp rather than a handheld flashlight to keep hands free and demonstrated a multi-tool for situations when residents may need to get into or out of a space. On personal care, Fulvio suggested toiletries that do not require water — such as dry shampoo — to manage hygiene when supplies are limited.

On power and electronics, Fulvio said she keeps at least two rechargeable battery packs and the necessary charging cords in each kit. She also emphasized basic heat-safety measures, including sun protection such as a hat.

"I keep multiple. 1 in my car, 1 in my home, and, and also 1 for my animals," Fulvio said, noting the importance of placing kits where they are most likely to be reached during an evacuation.

Albert Grant, assigned to the City of San Carlos police bureau with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, urged residents to plan exit routes. "Always know and have 2 exit routes inside of your house. Also, no 2 exit routes when exiting the City Of San Carlos and driving away from your house," he said, then asked, "I'm ready to go. Are you?"

Officials closed by directing residents to county and city alert tools. A staff member told listeners to sign up for SMC Alert, download the Genesys Protect app to find evacuation zones and receive alerts, and to visit cityofsancarlos.org/emergency for more information.

For more information and step-by-step checklists, residents were pointed to cityofsancarlos.org/emergency and the county alert services referenced during the presentation.