What if you had an emergency and needed to evacuate, like the people threatened by the CA wildfires?

Question

What would you pack if you only had five minutes to do so and why? Are you ready for such a disaster to occur, and if not, are you creating an emergency / memento kit because of what's happening in California? How would you feel if you only had what you could pack in an instant?

Answer 1

The only thing I need is my Family and Friends

Answer 2

I love your question because I live in San Diego County and I HAVE been told to evacuate - 3 times. Then the order was lifted and we didn't have to go after all. We are now on evacuation standby, since we live near the northeastern edge of the Harris Fire which is only 10% contained and continues to make the sky by my home smoky and the air terrible to breathe. I have the worst sore throat because of it.

Anyway, to answer your question, we have had more time to pack than 5 minutes, but from all I've heard from the evacuation centers, people have tended to forget to bring basic toiletries, more than a couple days' worth of clothing, blankets/pillows and medications. As for me, I made sure to grab clothing, important documents/papers, medications, toiletries and mementos that can't be replaced such as photos. I made sure my kids brought along the things which were most important to them, stressing that they bring only those things which were not easy to replace and meant a lot to them and stressing the importance of being able to grab quickly and to not bring so much stuff that there is no room in the car for everything. When you have kids, it's good to make sure there is something to keep them occupied.

Now that it looks like we will likely get to stay in our home, I will unpack things tomorrow if things continue to improve. What I have learned from this experience is that you do sometimes only have 5 minutes to pack, so it's important to keep your important papers easily accessible and have a suitcase or storage container easily assessible as well to quickly throw clothes, toiletries and medications into. Also make sure that you bring your cellphone charger with your cellphone and any important addresses or phone numbers. If you already have these things stored in your phone or elsewhere, that's a good idea. One more thing to think about, but only if there is time and room, is to bring your computer's hard drive. This way you won't lose important documents and programs you've installed if you end up having to purchase a new monitor.

One final thought - if you only have 5 minutes, grab clothes for a day or two, whatever important papers you can find, medications and blankets. The important thing is to not waste time. I heard a story of one family whose house burned down and they huddled in their van in an adjacent field and watched it burn. Turns out that the fire advanced SO quickly that the fire department didn't have time to warn them to get out until it was too late. They remembered what a fire chief told them a couple years ago and they drove their van to an adjacent lot which had been cleared of brush and was all dirt. They sat huddled in their minivan watching the fire engulf their home while their van bore the heat of the fire. They survived, thankfully. They described fireballs being shot through the air the size of barbeque briquets. If you see flames advancing, don't worry about what to take - just get the heck out of there as quickly as possible. Having things already in an easy to grab place however, makes coping with evacuation and loss easier.

Answer 3

Everyone should be prepared as you never know what could happen, and a list should be put in a readily available place along with instructions to turn of electric and gas supplies. My list comprises:-

1) Cash, jewellry and other small valuables.
2) Medical kit, including asthma medication.
3) Glasses and contact lens cases and solutions (not a time to be half blind!).
4) Files containing passports, bank details, insurance policies.
5) Toilet paper
6) Kids' special cuddly toys (they will need their comfort).
7) Photo albums.

If there was time, and transport, I would grab the sleeping bags and whatever clothing I could find.

Answer 4

I've been on that page for a long time now. My wife and kids would come first then whatever else I could grab. We keep a box by the door for just such an event. Marriage license, kids pictures, wedding pictures. Being prepared is alot better than losing everything. Kids and wife come first.