Each person must decide for himself or herself what items to gather according to any list depending upon the time given to evacuate. Here is a compilation of the more useful items to take, what to do before leaving, and what to do now to prepare.
WHAT TO TAKE
Family
- ___ Pet ID tags
- ___ Pet leashes
- ___ Pet medications
- ___ Pet water bowls
- ___ Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter)
- ___ Photographs of all family members
Documents
- ___ Birth certificates
- ___ Car insurance card
- ___ Computer backup disks
- ___ Computers (including iPad, iPod, etc.) and chargers
- ___ Drivers’ licenses
- ___ Health insurance card
- ___ House deed
- ___ Insurance papers
- ___ Legal documents
- ___ Marriage license
- ___ Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
- ___ Tax papers
Money
- ___ Blank checks
- ___ Cash
- ___ Check books
- ___ Credit cards
- ___ Purse
- ___ Savings books
- ___ Wallet
Medications
- ___ Analgesics
- ___ First-aid kit
- ___ Motion sickness tablets
- ___ Prescription dentures
- ___ Prescription glasses
- ___ Prescription hearing aids
- ___ Prescriptions
Jewelry
- ___ Decorations, pins, awards
- ___ Family heirlooms
- ___ Gold, silver, and other valuable jewelry
Sentimental
- ___ Family Bible
- ___ Irreplaceable keepsakes
- ___ Original paintings
- ___ Photos and albums, slides, movies, home videos
Food and water (for three to seven days – if time permits)
- ___ Manual can opener
- ___ Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
- ___ Pet food
- ___ Pet treats
- ___ Water (at least one gallon per person and pet per day)
Toiletries (if time permits)
- ___ Sanitary devices
- ___ Shaving articles
- ___ Soap and towels
- ___ Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Clothing (appropriate for the season – if time permits)
- ___ Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days)
- ___ Change of underwear
- ___ Coats and jackets
- ___ Gloves and scarves
- ___ Hats and caps
- ___ Infant supplies and toys
- ___ Shoes and boots
- ___ Sleepwear
Additional Items to Take (if time permits)
- ___ Cameras, chargers and/or extra batteries
- ___ Cell phones and chargers
- ___ Covered container to use as an emergency toilet
- ___ Flashlights and extra batteries
- ___ Portable radio and extra batteries
- ___ Reading material
- ___ Recreational items
WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING
- ___ Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in ignition
- ___ Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds
- ___ Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener)
- ___ Close or cover outside vents and shutters
- ___ Cose sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DON’T lock them)
- ___ Determine where separated members will meet
- ___ Disconnect propane tank
- ___ Don’t tie up telephone lines (notify friends and relatives by e-mail where to contact you)
- ___ Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination
- ___ Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water
- ___ Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank
- ___ Follow any official agency’s evacuation instructions
- ___ If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob
- ___ Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and smoke
- ___ Lock doors and windows
- ___ Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.)
- ___ Move overstuffed furniture away from windows
- ___ Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route
- ___ Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire
- ___ Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground
- ___ Prepare an “information note” to leave on the door detailing who you are and where you have gone
- ___ In your “information note” tell where flammables are (such as lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals – move them all into one place)
- ___ Release any livestock in the area
- ___ Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house
- ___ Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains
- ___ Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers
- ___ Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves
- ___ Turn off natural gas at meter
- ___ Turn on exterior lights
WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE
- ___ Clear debris from roof and gutters
- ___ Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles)
- ___ Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants
- ___ Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes
- ___ Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump
- ___ Document an annotated list of all belongings
- ___ Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available
- ___ Install chimney screen or spark arrestor
- ___ Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks
- ___ Install only non-combustible roof material
- ___ Install screens on foundation and eave vents
- ___ Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows
- ___ Install smoke detectors and test quarterly
- ___ Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full
- ___ Make a video of all belongings, talking about each
- ___ Post load limits on access bridges
- ___ Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road
- ___ Practice family fire drill and evacuation plans
- ___ Practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL (should clothes catch on fire)
- ___ Prepare a list of valuables to take with you (store together, if possible)
- ___ Remove branches that overhang withing 15 feet of roof and chimney
- ___ Remove trash and debris accumulations
- ___ Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof
- ___ Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house
- ___ Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup
- ___ Thin and prune your trees and brush
For more information contact us at SherlockHomesMold@gmail.com
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