14 October 2017
by Darlene Harman on Facebook page, Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation
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 ID registration information
___ 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
Know where your Emergency Sanitations are located
Toiletries (if time permits)
___ Sanitary devices
___ Shaving articles
___ Soap and towels
___ Toothbrushes and toothpaste
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 (DON'T lock them)
___ Determine where separated members will meet
___ Disconnect propane tank
___ Don't 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 agency's 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 within 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
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