MONTECITO, Calif. – In response to recent rain and the ongoing risk of wildfires, the Montecito Fire Protection District is rolling out a new pilot program to help households prepare for evacuations. The initiative provides free, red‑colored emergency backpacks – called “Evacuation Go‑Bags” – that contain essential supplies for the first hours after an evacuation.
Program details and contents
Public Information Officer Christina Atchison explained that the district researched a variety of backpack‑style kits before selecting the red models from EmergencyKits.com. Each bag includes basic items such as N95 masks, a rain poncho, safety goggles, gloves, a basic first‑aid kit, a glow stick, duct tape, nylon rope, an emergency whistle, a survival blanket, a 2,400‑calorie emergency food bar, pocket tissue, waste bags and cleansing towelettes. The kits are intended as a starter set; families are encouraged to add items specific to their needs, especially for children and pets.
How to obtain a Go‑Bag
Residents who wish to receive a bag must first complete an online form on the district’s website (Montecitofire.com) and then schedule a pick‑up time. Atchison noted that a local resident already came forward after hearing about the program, illustrating early community interest.
Encouraging personal preparedness
The district hopes the giveaway will spark a broader conversation about emergency readiness. “We want families to have a conversation at home about what they need to survive the initial period after an evacuation,” Atchison said. She also pointed to publicly available checklists that detail additional items families might consider, such as extra water, medication, and pet supplies.
Why the program matters now
Recent weather patterns have brought both heavy rain and heightened fire danger to the Santa Barbara County region. By providing a tangible, ready‑to‑use kit, the Montecito Fire Protection District aims to reduce the chaos that can accompany sudden evacuations and give residents a sense of control over their safety.
Community response and next steps
Local leaders and neighborhood groups have praised the effort as a practical step toward stronger community resilience. The district plans to monitor participation rates and gather feedback to refine future kits. If the pilot proves successful, officials say they may expand the program to neighboring communities within the county.
For more information, including the online sign‑up form and a detailed list of recommended supplies, visit Montecitofire.com.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
