Emergency Evacuation Checklist ________________________________________ Each person must decide for himself or herself what items to gather according to any list depending upon the time given to evacuate. Here is a compilation of the more useful items to take, what to do before leaving, and what to do now to prepare. ________________________________________ WHAT TO TAKE Family • ___ Pet ID tags • ___ Pet leashes • ___ Pet medications • ___ Pet water bowls • ___ Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter) • ___ Photographs of all family members • Disabled/Special Needs • Helping Children • In-Place Sheltering • Pets • Prepare Your Vehicle Documents • ___ Birth certificates • ___ Car insurance card • ___ Computer backup disks • ___ Computers (including iPad, iPod, etc.) and chargers • ___ Drivers licenses • ___ Health insurance card • ___ House deed • ___ Insurance papers • ___ Legal documents • ___ Marriage license • ___ Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) • ___ Tax papers Money • ___ Blank checks • ___ Cash • ___ Check books • ___ Credit cards • ___ Purse • ___ Savings books • ___ Wallet Medications • ___ Analgesics • ___ First-aid kit • ___ Motion sickness tablets • ___ Prescription dentures • ___ Prescription glasses • ___ Prescription hearing aids • ___ Prescriptions Jewelry • ___ Decorations, pins, awards • ___ Family heirlooms • ___ Gold, silver, and other valuable jewelry Sentimental • ___ Family Bible • ___ Irreplaceable keepsakes • ___ Original paintings • ___ Photos and albums, slides, movies, home videos Food and water (for three to seven days - if time permits) • ___ Manual can opener • ___ Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food • ___ Pet food • ___ Pet treats • ___ Water (at least one gallon per person and pet per day) • Food Storage • Water Storage Toiletries (if time permits) • ___ Sanitary devices • ___ Shaving articles • ___ Soap and towels • ___ Toothbrushes and toothpaste • Emergency Sanitation Clothing (appropriate for the season - if time permits) • ___ Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days) • ___ Change of underwear • ___ Coats and jackets • ___ Gloves and scarves • ___ Hats and caps • ___ Infant supplies and toys • ___ Shoes and boots • ___ Sleepwear Additional Items to Take (if time permits) • ___ Cameras, chargers and/or extra batteries • ___ Cell phones and chargers • ___ Covered container to use as an emergency toilet • ___ Flashlights and extra batteries • ___ Portable radio and extra batteries • ___ Reading material • ___ Recreational items • First Aid Kit • 72-Hour Kit ________________________________________ WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING • ___ Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in ignition • ___ Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds • ___ Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener) • ___ Close or cover outside vents and shutters • ___ Cose sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DONT lock them) • ___ Determine where separated members will meet • ___ Disconnect propane tank • ___ Dont tie up telephone lines (notify friends and relatives by e-mail where to contact you) • ___ Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination • ___ Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water • ___ Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank • ___ Follow any official agencys evacuation instructions • ___ If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob • ___ Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and smoke • ___ Lock doors and windows • ___ Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.) • ___ Move overstuffed furniture away from windows • ___ Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route • ___ Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire • ___ Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground • ___ Prepare an information note to leave on the door detailing who you are and where you have gone • ___ In your information note tell where flammables are (such as lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place) • ___ Release any livestock in the area • ___ Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house • ___ Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains • ___ Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers • ___ Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves • ___ Turn off natural gas at meter • ___ Turn on exterior lights ________________________________________ WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE • ___ Clear debris from roof and gutters • ___ Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles) • ___ Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants • ___ Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes • ___ Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump • ___ Document an annotated list of all belongings • ___ Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available • ___ Install chimney screen or spark arrestor • ___ Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks • ___ Install only non-combustible roof material • ___ Install screens on foundation and eave vents • ___ Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows • ___ Install smoke detectors and test quarterly • ___ Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full • ___ Make a video of all belongings, talking about each • ___ Post load limits on access bridges • ___ Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road • ___ 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) • ___ Remove branches that overhang withing 15 feet of roof and chimney • ___ Remove trash and debris accumulations • ___ Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof • ___ Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house • ___ Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup • ___ Thin and prune your trees and brush
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:14:46 +0000