• Cell phones and chargers
• First-aid kit
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable radio and extra batteries
• Pack important papers
• Turn off gas
• Distance BBQ tanks
• Pet cages/carriers/harnesses/collars/leashes & food
• Leave outside lights on so firemen can see your home through smoke

 

 

WHAT TO TAKE

Family

__Photographs of all family members

__Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter)

__Pet ID tags

__Pet medications

__Pet leashes

__Pet water bowls

 

Documents

__Health insurance card

__Car insurance card

__House deed

__Marriage license

__Insurance papers

__Tax papers

__Birth certificates

__Drivers' licenses

__Legal documents

__Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

__Computer backup disks

__Computers (time permitting)

 

Money

__Checkbooks

__Savings books

__Credit cards

__Cash

__Purse

__Wallet

__Blank checks

 

Medications

__Prescriptions

__Analgesics

__Motion sickness tablets (for pets & people)

__First-aid kit

__Prescription glasses

__Prescription dentures

__Prescription hearing aids

 

Jewelry

__Gold, silver, and other valuable jewelry

__Family heirlooms

__Decorations, pins, awards

 

Sentimental

__Photos and albums, slides, movies, home videos

__Family Bible

__Irreplaceable keepsakes

__Original paintings

 

Food and Water (for three to seven days - if time permits)

__Water (at least one gallon per person and pet per day)

__Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food

__Pet food

__Pet treats

__Manual can opener

 

Toiletries (if time permits)

__Soap and towels

__Toothbrushes and toothpaste

__Shaving articles

__Sanitary supplies

 

Clothing (appropriate for the season-if time permits)

__Changes of clothing for each person (for one to seven days)

__Coats and jackets

__Hats and caps

__Gloves and scarves

__Shoes, boots and socks

__Changes of underwear

__Sleepwear

__Infant supplies and toys

 

Additional Items to Take (if time permits)

__Reading material

__Recreational items

__Cameras and extra batteries

 

WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING

__Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank

__Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route

__Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in the car

__Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener)

__Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination

__Determine where separated members will meet

__Follow any official agency's evacuation instructions

__Turn off natural gas at meter

__Disconnect propane tank

__Close or cover outside vents and shutters

__Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house

__Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves

__Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and  smoke

__Release any livestock in the area

__Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds

__Move overstuffed furniture away from windows

__Close sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DON'T lock them)

__Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains

__Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire

__Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water

__Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers

__Turn on exterior lights

__Lock doors and windows

__If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob

__Stay off the phones as much as possible. Notify friends and relatives by e-mail/texting   where to contact you)

__Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.)

__Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground

__Prepare an "information note" to leave on the door detailing who you are, where you have gone, where flammables are (such as lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place)

 

WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE

__Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full

__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)

__Make a video of all belongings, talking about each

__Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup

__Document an annotated list of all belongings

__Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump

__Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available

__Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road

__Post load limits on access bridges

__Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles)

__Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes

__Clear debris from roof and gutters

__Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants

__Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof

__Remove trash and debris accumulations

__Remove branches that overhang within 15 feet of roof and chimney

__Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house

__Thin and prune your trees and brush

__Install smoke detectors and test quarterly

__Install only non-combustible roof material

__Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows

__Install screens on foundation and eave vents

__Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks

__Install chimney screen or spark arrestor