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Writer's picture Eva Hatch

How to Create An Emergency Evacuation Packing List

Updated: Dec 29, 2020


When there is an emergency like a wildfire, all of the sudden you have minutes to pack possessions and get to safety. You can learn how to create your own emergency evacuation packing list on this Mountain Made blog article.

When there is an emergency like wildfire, all of a sudden, you have minutes to pack possessions and get to safety. Having gone through eight evacuations, I have learned that packing and preparing to evacuate our home is always a hectic time, no matter if we have five minutes or a day's notice. I'm stressed, scared, and multitasking; the future is unknown, and I always get a sinking feeling. With each new evacuation, my family gets more efficient at packing. I have never gotten used to the feeling of helplessness, though, when I realize that I forgot to pack an irreplaceable item and can't do anything about it.

One of the best ways I have found to make evacuations go smoother is making an emergency evacuation packing list. This eliminates a lot of the pressure to remember everything that needs to be packed. All my family members know what needs to be packed and where it is because of the emergency packing list. If no one is home during an emergency, the list will be incredibly helpful to a good samaritan or firefighters who come by.

During emergency situations, time is never granted, so start preparing as early as possible. It's best if you grab items in order of importance to you, starting with irreplaceable items and things you will need during and after the evacuation (in the event that you lose everything else). See the example list below.


CREATING THE LIST

There no right or wrong way to create an evacuation packing list. I like to create a document with a two-columned table as shown in the picture above. The first column has the item to pack and the second column has where the item is located in the house. After selecting an easy to read font, I then wrote out all the items we want to evacuate with in order of importance. Don't forget about the needs of those who live with you like babies, older relatives, and pets.


MY FIRST-HAND BONUS TIPS

Once the list is complete, it should be place somewhere that can easily be seen by members that live in the residents and someone who comes by to lend you a hand. Common places are on the fridge, next to the main entrance, or by the telephone (if you still have a landline).


Before you leave for a long trip, I highly recommend placing your most important items by the door with your packing list. This makes it easier if someone is able to help you out in an emergency. Another little tip I learned over the years is to store as much of your personal items in easy to grab clear plastic bins. For items on display in your home, keep extra bins to make packing quicker.


IN CONCLUSION

Discussing emergencies is never an easy topic. After living through eight wildfires, I have come to the concussion that I will never be comfortable with this topic. The more I have experienced emergencies and the more I prepare has helped ease some of the anxiety aground the topic.


List Example:


Top Priority

Can’t-live-without Items

  • Medications

  • Glasses

  • Baby items

  • Food

Photos Documents

  • Personal documents, i.e. SSN, ID, and birth certificate(s)

  • Bill records

  • Will

  • Memory boxes

  • Money/checkbooks/cards

  • Address book

Technology

  • Computers

  • Phones

  • Cameras

  • Chargers

  • Backup disks

Heirlooms/Valuables

  • Jewelry

  • Art/decor


Second Priority

A few days’ worths of clothes for each family member

  • Shirts

  • Pants

  • Socks/underwear

  • Shoes

Personal care items Food and water Tools

  • Flashlights

  • Battery-powered radio

  • First aid kit

  • Dust mask

Bedding

  • Sleeping bags/blankets

  • Pillows

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