Essential Gear for an Emergency Kit—for Cars or Go-Bags

Another thing people forget to do until the internet is already down? Download emergency phone apps. As of October 2025, FEMA has an app. Your local municipal or state government likely also has opt-in emergency push notifications. Consider opting in. WIRED has also cataloged a number of other personal safety apps, including a subscription service called Rescu that can connect you directly to first responders.

For wildfires, University of Oregon wildfire expert Stasiewicz strongly recommends that you download independent wildfire awareness app Watch Duty, which offers up-to-date information on wildfires all over the country and became an important lifeline especially during the 2025 Los Angeles fires.The app will most likely deliver evacuation information faster than your local sheriff, Stasiewicz notes, giving your family a lot more lead time in an emergency. The app is free for emergency information in a single county, but there are subscription...

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