Evacuations – What You Need to Grab and Go

Fire season is upon us. With numerous communities throughout California affected or threatened by fire, it’s time we all take a moment to prepare for the worse case scenario.

The calls for evacuation come quick, giving residents, if they’re lucky, mere hours to collect themselves and their belongings. This may seem ample to some, but what are the chances that you and your family are home together on warm, breezy Saturday afternoon? First and foremost, families should have a plan – when and where to meet or seek shelter if you need to leave your home. Create a list, and even go so far as prepare the essentials if your neighborhood is in a wooded or high-risk area.

Some things to include or prepare ahead of time include:

• Medications
• Glasses and contacts
• Birth certificates
• Car, health and home insurance information
• Drivers’ licenses/IDs
• Computers and external hard drives
• Phone chargers
• House deed
• Marriage license
• Checks
• Credit Cards
• Cash
• Sentimental and valuable jewelry
• Family heirlooms
• Original artwork
• Pet necessities (food, leash, crate, blanket) especially if you need to leave pets at emergency animal shelters
• Toiletries
• Changes of clothing
• Shoes
• Children’s toys (for comfort and security)
• Flashlights
• Reading material
• First Aid kit