The Evacuation List

I will assume that most of us at one point or another thought about the possibility of evacuating our homes this week-end due to the Dump Fire on our mountain.  The question is: How prepared were you and what can you do to better prepare?
A quote from the Deseret News on-line article titled "Nearly 9,000 residents evacuate neighborhoods near Saratoga Springs fire" helps make a point:

Christian Judd awoke to officials knocking on his door and telling him to evacuate.

"My immediate reaction was: 'So what do I do?' I don't even know. I've never been in this experience before," Judd said. "I just didn't imagine this would happen to us here.

Don't we all feel that way?  When do we ever expect a disaster to happen to us?  If we did expect it, I am sure we would put more effort into preparations.

The question is valid: "What do I do?"  Another quote from the same Deseret News article:

"It's just crazy. I'm just trying to get pictures and stuff you can't replace," said April, one of the residents who was forced to evacuated her house."

In the event of an evacuation "What do I take?"

Here comes the assignment for the week so pay attention. 

I challenge each family to make a priority list of things they would take in an emergency evaucation.  The list should have three columns with the followng:

• Item Priority (1, 2, 3, etc.)
• Item Name
• Item Location

Once the list is completed hang it near the primary exit of your home.  If you don't want papers hanging on your wall like me, you can tape it on the inside of a cupboard, coat closet, etc.  Just be sure it is easily accessible.

A few thoughts on what I will call the Evacuation List. 

The purpose here is to think about what you need ahead of time so you don't waste time in a real situation.  It is so easy to sit down and write a list now of what is most important.  Brainstorming before the emergency will assure that you will grab the most essential items in the time alloted to evacuate and that you don't forget anything.     

Your list can have as many items as you like on it.  You may have 5 minutes to evacuate, maybe 15, maybe 30.  But when the emergency comes and you never expected it would happen to you, it doesn't matter, because you are prepared.  You will know exactly what to get and where it is.

I would recommend 72 hour kits be at the top of the list.  Other things you may want to include (these are in no particular order) are:

• Important documents (insurance, birth/marriage certificates, etc.)
• Extra water
• Extra food
• Pets and pet needs
• Irreplaceable keepsakes
• Journals
• Laptops or hard drives with important information or family photos
• Extra clothing

So go, and make your list.  An ounce of preparation is worth....

Next week I will discuss how to revamp 72 hour kits to make sure they are sufficient for your family's needs. 

As always, please report any thoughts or ideas on the blog.