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Southern California’s second wildfire season is here, fueled by Santa Ana winds and utility shut-offs. In this episode, I update my Emergency Preparedness Bag for winter 2025—what I’ve added, removed, and why. I cover evacuation lessons, prepping for multi-day outages, and how I pack for fast movement (including with my dog).

Key Takeaways

• Build seasonally: match your kit to your most likely risks (here: wind-driven fire spread + power shut-offs).
• Plan the boring logistics: documents, spare keys, pet needs, and where you’ll actually go if shelters aren’t pet-friendly.
• Test gear before you trust it (some “emergency” items are one-and-done in real life).
• Keep hygiene & simple medical tools—small habits prevent big problems.
• Comms matter: even a basic radio can keep you informed when cell/data fails.

Disclaimers
I’m not a fire science or CBRN specialist. This video reflects my professional background in security/emergency response and my personal preparedness approach. If you’re a subject-matter expert, please drop clarifications/tips in the comments so we can all learn.

Support the show

Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).

Jessie Virga hails from the Bronx and has an extensive background in security and defense, having spent 10 years in the military in various security roles. Following her military service, she pursued a degree in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience from UCSD and briefly pursued medical school. Realizing her true passion lay elsewhere, she transitioned back to security work with the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, earning both an MBA and a DBA in Homeland Security. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Psychology.

Jessie’s career has always focused on protecting people, information, and infrastructure. Her dedication extends beyond her professional life. She volunteers for Search and Rescue, works as a part-time EMT (TCCC/TECC), and enjoys hiking, backpacking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and staying active.

In addition to her professional and volunteer commitments, Jessie is an entrepreneur. She owns several businesses, including a nonprofit animal welfare organization, K&L Animal Rescue. Jessie is eager to share her extensive knowledge and experiences through her journeys. These thoughts are her own, and she welcomes engaging with those who have something interesting to share. Feel free to reach out via email.

Thank you for being here, and God Bless.
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