Living where we do in the foothills, amongst the trees and beauty of nature means that we may at some time be faced with the threat of wildfire. What can we do to be prepared if that time arises? Well, let’s think about your situation. Do you have pets, medications, pictures, and important documents? Of course, you do! We all have something we couldn’t bear to lose or at the very least would make life difficult if we did. Let’s make a list and prepare a bag now while there is no immediate threat. My emergency checklist may be different than yours so really think about it and make changes as needed so you don’t have to think about it when under the pressure of evacuation. Get your emergency go bag ready, NOW. Here is a sample checklist. Print this out and hang it up where you can easily see it. Place items in a bag or laundry basket where they are easy to grab on your way out the door.
Pack your go bag so you can grab it and go!
EMERGENCY EVACUATION GO BAG CHECKLIST
Important documents
Birth certificates
Driver’s license
Social security cards
Passports
A list of personal contacts
Proof of insurance
Pink slips for cars
Deed to your house
Life insurance policies
Passwords
Thumb drive/memory card
Laptop
Other_________________________
__________ Other_________________________
__________ Other_________________________
__________
Supplies
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Phone chargers
Food and water, 3 day supply
Other ______________________________
________ Other ______________________________
________ Other_________________________
______________
Medications- prescription and non-prescription
______________________________
_________ ______________________________
_________
Pets
Carrying crates
Medications
Food/water for three days
Leashes
Food bowls
Other ______________________________
____ Other ______________________________
____ Other ______________________________
____
Personal items
One change of clothing and shoes for every member of the family
toothbrush/toothpaste
Hairbrush
Other ______________________________
________ Other ______________________________
________ Other ______________________________
________
Items that cannot be replaced
Special photographs
Family Recipes
Other ______________________________
________ Other ______________________________
________ Other ______________________________
________
Other items to consider adding to your emergency go bag
Eyeglasses, contacts, contact solution
Infant formula, wipes, bottles, diapers
Sleeping bags or blankets and pillows for each person in the household
Feminine hygiene items
Paper plates, bowls, plasticware, cups
Paper and pen
Books, games, puzzles