Being Prepared to Evacuate
There are several wildfires burning around the country right now. Just this last weekend one started here in Utah that required about 1500 homes to evacuate. I have never been evacuated but this particular fire really made me think about what I would want to grab if I was being evacuated.
If I had 5 minutes to evacuation my house I would grab:
My Family
My Dog
My 72 Hour Kit
Lock Box with Important Documents (should be stored near the 72 hour kit)
Medications
Getting those few things would probably take me about 5 minutes.
If I had 15 minutes to evacuate I would also grab:
My Computer Hard Drive
Box of Family Heirlooms
Photo Albums
If I had 30 minutes to evacuate I would also make sure to:
Grab Some Extra Food & Water Storage
Grab Extra Clothing for Each Family Member
Turn on the Outside Sprinkling System (if we are in fire danger)
Turn of the Gas & Power to the House
Get my BBQ grill's propane tank as far from the house as possible.
I think it is a good idea to make a list for yourself of what you would grab, that way when you are stressed about trying to get out you will remember your plan.
Here are some things to consider making sure you have covered in the event of an emergency:
Make sure you have things to keep your kids entertained in your 72 hour kits
Keep your pet's leashes and such in the same place so you always know where they are in case you need to grab them quick
I have CDs of my pictures in my lock box and I update it once a year.
Keep copies of your important documents at home and store the originals elsewhere like in a safe deposit box at the bank.
Keep an amount of cash on hand
Keep extra motor oil in your vehicles and also fill you car with fuel when it's 1/2 full.
Keep your cell phone charged and consider keeping an extra battery in the car.
I am interested in knowing what is on your grab list for 5, 15 and 30 minutes. Please leave a comment!
