Since its start on Dec. 4th, the Thomas fire continues to burn, torching homes and displacing residents. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, full containment is not expected until Jan. 8th; if your home or business is under threat, now is the time to make sure you're prepared for any eventuality—starting with a well-stocked emergency kit with a focus on fire danger.
Read on to learn what items you may want to add to your emergency preparedness pack, along with recommendations based key product attributes and first-rate Amazon user ratings.
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Particulate Respirator
Recommended for protection from the airborne particles resulting from fire, the N95 is a disposable particulate respirator that helps provide reliable respiratory protection of at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles. The proprietary 3M™ Cool Flow™ valve is designed to release hot, humid exhaled breath quickly, helping to prevent an unpleasant build up of heat inside the facepiece and to enhance comfort for respirator wearers.
3M Particulate Respirator
4 stars | 286 reviews
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Pet carrier
In an emergency, the ability to secure your pets can be a matter of life and death. This top-load carrier is ideal for small pets (no more than 7 inches tall and 15 inches in length), and should work well for cats and small dogs. It's constructed of a sturdy yet stylish heavy-duty plastic, and the steel wire and plastic combine for strength, safety, and visibility.
Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel
4.5 stars | 3,212 reviews
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First aid kit
If you've already got a first aid kit, congratulations—but it's time to check your inventory and make sure you haven't poached too many supplies for cuts, scrapes and headaches. If you haven't yet taken the plunge, this is definitely the time, and there are many kit options on the market to choose from. If you're looking for a solid option for your home, consider Swiss Safe's 2-in-1 First Aid Kit—it comes with 120-items packed in a sturdy carrying case, including trauma shears and an instant ice pack, plus another 32-piece mini kit to carry with you on camping trips or to store in your car.
Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
4.9 stars | 1,556 reviews
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Flashlight
In addition to the battery-powered flashlight or headlamp you likely keep around the house, an emergency flashlight can serve a variety of uses. The multi-purpose, waterproof Cynergy Lifelight flashlight is hand-cranked, meaning it'll function when both electricity and batteries fail, and it also features a window breaker, compass, seat belt cutter, flashing red alert light, and USB port for charging your phone in a pinch. It's selling at around $29.97, a price comparable to other similar options.
Cynergy Lightlight
4.3 stars | 332 reviews
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Hand-crank radio
Like the flashlight, a hand-crank radio will work without electricity or batteries, and the Esky model, which can also be charged using solar energy or a USB port, also SOS flashing and lamp functions. But this radio also works as an AM/FM/NOAA weather radio, connecting you with potentially life-saving information over the airwaves in case of emergency. One minute of cranking will give you at least 20 minutes of radio, and it can also serve as a charger for batteries and cell phones.
Esky Solar Weather Radio
4.4 stars | 172 reviews
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