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In an emergency, you can grab these and go.
If the still ongoing fires in Los Angeles indicate anything, it's that climate change-induced disasters can happen at any moment, and we should continue to prepare for them in the future. (If you want to help the people and communities impacted by the wildfires, here's a list of organizations you can donate to.) We are reluctant to accept this sad fact, but in the spirit of preparation, we're already thinking about investing in disaster-proof storage solutions like waterproof organizers for your photos or a fireproof duffle for clothes you may need during an evacuation.
Keeping your most beloved belongings in specific bins and containers—many of which are transportable on our list—makes it easier to pick them up and go should you need to. After all, in an emergency, you won't have time to go through your home room by room to choose the items you care about most. Getting ahead of that process by protecting your things early on will be a task you'll be glad you checked off your list. (Here's our five-step checklist to prep for wildfires, specifically.)
At the very least, if you're not facing a raging fire or Helene-level hurricane, storage solutions will keep your stuff organized, whether you store the items in your attic, basement, or garage. As long as you prep ahead of time, you can save as many precious items in your home as possible, so order the items now. This may seem like a grim shopping experience, but unfortunately, it's necessary.
This is not just a shimmering duffle bag. It's waterproof and fireproof, making it an ideal getaway bag in an emergency. Though you can pack it with anything you think you may need in the days following a disaster, there is one rule about where you keep it: near the front door (or wherever you've designated as your emergency exit. If you keep it in your closet on the second floor, getting to it in the mere minutes you have to flee the premises may be a life or death situation. Don't risk it. Instead, pack this to the brim with the essentials and keep it in the closet by the front door.
As indicated by the number on the front of this 14- by 10-inch size document bag, it can withstand temperatures up to 5,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That may seem like a very specific temperature, but generally speaking, the heat range for a typical house fire falls between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees, so even if this is stored in the ceiling, where the heat is most intense, it's safe from damage. Of course, we wouldn't recommend storing it there since it's going to be very hard to reach in the event of a fire.
This may look like a movie prop from a Mission Impossible film, but it's actually a fireproof safe that locks with latches and a key (so be sure to keep the key in an easily accessible place you'll remember). Keep in mind: This is not a burglar-proof safe. If someone breaks into your home, they can easily grab the handle and make a run for it, so we don't recommend keeping your valuables in here all the time; just when you know a flood, fire, or hurricane may be on the horizon.
If you regularly take medication, it should be on your list of things to grab in case of a disaster. This water-resistant organizing case has a slot for bottles, tabs, and more, so feel free to stuff it with all the medication your entire household may need.
Most treasured documents, including photos, are available digitally, but for older photos taken before the iPhone and storage Cloud days, keep them organized in this waterproof box. Once latched shut, it will protect your photos from mold, mildew, and liquids.
Although most essential documents are available online, difficult-to-replicate ones, such as deeds to homes, birth certificates, passports, and more, should be stored in a lockable, fireproof, and waterproof box like this one.
This industrial-size waterproof box may not be the prettiest item in your home, but it is worth buying. At 8.5 by 12.5 by five inches, it is the perfect size to store all of the clothes you cherish most, whether it be your wedding looks, designer hand-me-downs from grandma, or anything else you consider sentimental. If it's filled with very special items, you may even want to keep them in plastic garment bags to protect them from dust, debris, or anything else that may ruin your things.
Whether you're sticking silk scarves, jewelry, or cash into these multi-sized fireproof and waterproof pouches, you'll be glad you did.
The food in your pantry may not seem like precious items at first glance, but if you don't know exactly where you're headed, you can take some edible dried goods with you. If you live in a disaster-prone place, you may want to set aside a few air-tight food storage containers for a potential evacuation.
We may live in a seemingly cashless society—especially if you live in a big city—but in the midst of a natural disaster, you'll be surprised at how helpful cash can be. You don't necessarily need to stuff it with bills, but keeping whatever amount you feel may be necessary or useful in the wake of a fire, flood, or anything in between is a good call.
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