Emergency Evacuation Checklist

Emergency Evacuation Checklist

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