Prep For A Home Evacuation, It Isn't Hard

While watching news of wildfires, it reminded me to share what could help your family have a well-orchestrated home evacuation.

Inside a cupboard in my home, I taped TWO clear binder sleeves with identical pages. One side is both of our evacuation assignments (two adults live here) and the other side is our list of insurance policy numbers and the agent’s key contact info.

I decided to grab things that would keep us moving forward for days or maybe weeks, not items like silverware or even photos. I don't have kids so I'm no help with what kids' stuff to bring, including where you draw the line on family treasures. Faced with an evacuation, I cannot guarantee that my thoughts would be clear, and without this, I can bet we’d be freaking more than packing.

Never sure how much time you have for an evacuation, I'd be pressed to get this all in my car within 15 minutes, but it's worth a shot. Grab a plastic sleeve, follow the list, kiss and GO. If only one of us is home at the time, fingers crossed but that is why both of our lists are on the same page. I urge you to make and post your list ASAP. Here is ours (PS we have a fireproof safe where we store passport and insurance papers, I saw on TV how firefighters cut into a melted safe and the owners' stuff was still intact so WHEW. We also put computer backups in our bank safe deposit box twice a year):

PATTI CAR:
Dog food, bowls, leash DOG to fence until car loaded
Purse, checkbook, wallet
Blackberry, charger
Meds, ALL bottles
Travel Cosmetic kit
Camera, charger (you'll need to take photos for insurance)
Underwear, socks
T-shirts, pants
Tennis shoes
Warm jacket
Laptop, backup cassette

LARRY CAR:
Meds ALL BOTTLES
Eye glasses, reading glasses
Blackberry, charger
Wallet, watch
Checkbooks – HOME, BIZ
Cash
Shaving kit, toothbrush
Warm jacket
Underwear, socks
T-shirts
Jeans, sweats
Tennis shoes
Camera, charger
ALL BATTERIES
Flashlights
Laptop, Backup cassette