Emergency Evacuation Checklist
Compiled by Dick Oakes
www.phantomranch.NET
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
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)
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
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 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