NORTH COAST, Calif. – On behalf of PG&E, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Kaiser Permanente, Comcast, the Counties of Sonoma and Napa, Rebuild Northbay Foundation is pleased to announce it has collaborated on a project to distribute 5,000 GO Bags across four counties in the fire affected regions.

After the devastating October 2017 fires, many people realized how unprepared they are for a disaster.

As the region recovers and rebuilds, it is imperative to use knowledge and take steps to prepare and protect ourselves, our families and our pets.

The bags feature materials on preparedness from FEMA, CalOES, and the counties of Sonoma and Napa.

Included in the bag are universal cell phone chargers from Comcast, N95 Masks from Friedman’s, hand cranked flashlights from PG&E, and hygiene kits courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.

Rotary Clubs of Sonoma Valley organized a volunteer effort to prepare the bags for distribution.

The Go Bags will be distributed the week of Oct. 8 in all four counties. Additionally, on Oct. 8 Rebuild NorthBay launched a new Web site with a resource library dedicated to rebuilding and long-term recovery in our region. The website address, www.rebuildnorthbay.org, is displayed on the bags.

In Lake County, the bags will be distributed at the Spring Valley Community Center, 3000 Wolf Creek Road, Clearlake Oaks, during the pig roast on Saturday, Oct. 20, and at North Coast Opportunities on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 785 Bevins St., Lakeport.

“Kaiser Permanente is proud to help others in our community be prepared before, during, and after an emergency.” Judy Coffey, Rebuild NorthBay Foundation Board of Directors, regional manager, Kaiser Permanente in the region, 707.566.5707.

“They say that all disasters start local and end local, and that same adage applies to community preparedness. The distribution of these Go-Bags is another step in reminding us all that the foundation for resilience starts in our homes and with our families,” said Supervisor James Gore, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

“We are proud to partner with the Rebuild Northbay Foundation and other companies to help our communities be better prepared for emergencies. Friedman’s is happy to provide masks for the Go-Bags so that these essential items are readily available if needed,” said Barry Friedman, chief executive officer of Friedman’s Home Improvement.

“Napa County residents will be greatly served by Rebuild NorthBay Foundation’s donation. The go-bags will help us continue to build on making Napa County more resilient and better prepared for future disasters,” said Supervisor Ryan Gregory, Napa County Board of Supervisors.

“Comcast is proud to continue supporting our community through valuable partnerships with organizations such as the Rebuild Northbay Foundation,” said Judy James, director of government affairs, Comcast Universal.