If there was danger in your area and you had 30 minutes to evacuate...?

Question

what would you be sure to take? Other than family, of course.
This came from a discussion at home about material things. There are things we would hate to lose, but none of it is worth risking life for.

Answer 1

It's happened where I live due to wildfires.

Keep important papers (insurance papers, passports, birth certificates, bank account and credit card info) all in one place and grab that. As part of this file, make a CD with photos of your house and your possessions to have for the insurance claim - obviously do this ahead. Have crates, leashes, and food for your pets and get them rounded up. Keep all photos that can't be replaced in one place and take those and perhaps a couple important or valuable irreplaceable possessions such as family heirlooms or original art. One thing that was helpful to people in the fires here 15 years ago that had them was stamped building plans for their homes if they possessed them - made getting the building process started again much easier. Medications are good to take but most prescriptions can be refilled easily if you are in a pinch.

Forget furnishings, clothes or other items that are easily replaced. Grab warm clothes if it is cold or a few blankets and get out of there.

Answer 2

I've had a couple of times where this has been a real alternative. I live in California and have gone through two major fires since 2003.

I've come to the conclusion that if you can't carry it in your hands, it can be replaced or, really, you don't need it. Mind you, I am a single person with no one else to care for right now.

Now, this may sound odd to a lot of people, but in many places, if you value your life and only have 30 minutes to get out, you've got to make your choices and do it fast. This is the reality of life.

Here's a for instance: I have friends that live in southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. There is a lake called Dale Hollow that has a very large Dam that's in the process of crumbling due to a number of factors. These folks in this area, and it's a large area, have been advised that when this Dam goes, they have approximately one hour to evacuate the area.

It's a matter of what you value most and those things that are of this earth are definitely not the things that I value most.

Answer 3

This happened to me. However, I had less than a minute to run for shelter with my little grandson with me to avoid being blown away by the tornado. My husband hand cautioned me if the storms did hit that day to take the bag of important papers, a flashlight and a blanket. I grabbed all that mess and had to let another person pick up my grandson. Just as we shut the basement door, the tornado hit. If I were in such a situation or 30 minute warning - again, I would take nothing but the blanket and my grandson. It was awful keeping up with that mess and really endangered our lives.

Answer 4

I can grab a lot in 30 min. I would take my pictures, a couple changes of clothes, my laptop, my address book, a little food and water. I have no pets at this time, but would take them if I did. I would go where they send me and obey all the directives. Every time there is a disaster somewhere you always hear about the people that wouldn't leave or didn't do as they were instructed. They die. Remember the older man in Washington that wouldn't leave when Mt. St. Helens erupted? Dead and never found.

Answer 5

this is France, I doubt if anything has ever happened in 30 minutes, if we had to evacuate then food would be the main priority but it would take more than 30 mins to decide what sauce would be best with an evacuation dish plus where to cook it and what on plus which wine, give us a couple of weeks and we could manage it.

Answer 6

Cash box (all the household paper, deeds and the like - no cash) - from there dependent on avialable time, would load the van with food, clothing, blankets and such to last a week or so --- and sorry folks, but the 12-gauge would be going along too.

Answer 7

I always keep a bag of clothes, copy of important papers, cash, & a few other items, right near my door. Red Cross training. It is used mostly for fast trips to disasters but can be used in any type of event.
I'd grab it, slap a leash on my dog & get the heck out of there. 30 minutes goes in a flash folks.

Answer 8

Oh my God! When I was 11, I took the 'Common entrance exam' for entry to girls' public schools. We had a similar question. What book would you take? Obviously the choice was between the complete works of Shakespeare and the Bible. Since my parents were hoping to send me to a school for clergy daughters, I chose the Bible and I passed.
I ended up at the state school, because my parents couldn't afford the fees.
Given 5 minutes, I would take my mobile and its charger. 30 minutes - probably my laptop and one of my printers.

Answer 9

They have been given those training by using argument you're making. They recommended electorate that in the event that they chosen to stay they could would desire to wait for guidance till it replaced into risk-free for rescue workers to get to them. I dont think of they have been recommended strongly adequate to evacuate, yet regardless, they'd desire to understand while water is increasing 12 hours till now the hurricane even hits it may be smart to get out. I dont think of charging a great to somebody who has in simple terms lost each and everything they owned is a answer. fireplace and rescue crews choose for that variety of artwork and the individuals they rescue would desire to be paying taxes which helps pay for those amenities.

Answer 10

I just read everyone answers , it amazes me, we all have Bibles,meds, animals and a cell phone, I liked the one Nerf suit Most of us are so lucky we haven't had to go though an ordeal this bad ,Its always good to be prepared, I do think about what would you do if you came home,and couldn't get back in