As wildfire season intensifies across the western US in 2026, with smoke drifting from Canada into the Midwest and Northeast, disaster-preparedness experts are urging families to assemble emergency kits well in advance. WIRED's guide, developed with input from Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness and the National Weather Service, distinguishes between two scenarios: needing a portable "go bag" to evacuate quickly, and needing to shelter in place without power or running water for days at a time.

The guide recommends a three-day supply of water, purification tablets or filters, a torch and batteries for evacuation bags, alongside power banks for extended outages. It also covers air purifiers and masks for wildfire smoke, air quality monitors, first-aid supplies, digital document backups, radios, and creating a defensible perimeter around homes in fire-prone areas. The article was updated in July 2026 with new wildfire-specific advice, including guidance from University of Oregon wildfire experts and updated product recommendations for air quality monitoring and filtration.