When a natural disaster strikes, people often have very little time to gather their stuff or plan their actions before evacuating to a safer area.
The devastating fires in Southern California are a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared. Having a “go bag” and an evacuation plan ready is critical, especially if you only have a moment’s notice.
Cal Fire encourages everyone to create an evacuation action plan that includes the “6 P’s of evacuation.”
What are the 6 P’s of evacuation?
The six P’s address the important things you would not want to lose or leave behind in a disaster.
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents, like IDs, passports, and more
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable personal items
- Personal computers, hard drives and disks
- “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM or debit cards) and cash
What to pack in an evacuation bag
Prepare a “go bag,” such as a backpack, with essential items. Cal Fire recommends keeping a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight by your bed at home in case of a sudden nighttime evacuation.
For your “go bag,” Cal Fire recommends essentials such as:
- Face masks or coverings to help with smoke
- A change of clothing, including a long-sleeved cotton shirt and pants
- Prescriptions or special medications
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses, if needed
- Personal hygiene items
- Sanitation supplies
- Basic first-aid and medical supplies
- Cash, ATM cards, and credit cards
- Important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance, etc.
- An extra set of car keys, a phone charger
- A flashlight
- Regional map
- A battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Extra batteries
- Food, water, and medications for pets, if needed
- A can opener
- A three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Three gallons of bottled water per person
Cal Fire also recommends taking additional items if more time is available. These include:
- Valuable items that you can easily carry
- Family photos and other irreplaceable items
- Personal computers, tablets, and external data storage
- Entertainment items
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Depending on the type of disaster, the Red Cross also recommends considering packing other items, including:
- A whistle
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Work gloves
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Scissors
Create a Home Inventory
Having a go-bag is just one of the steps you should take to prepare for an emergency. Homeowners should document their property by creating a home inventory just in case. It can significantly assist with insurance claims.
Documenting your stuff can be as simple as taking photos or videos of each room in your house. However, when it comes to high-value items, such as art, jewelry, or other collectibles, be sure to appraise them independently.
Most standard homeowners policies have minimal standard limits for valuables.
