05
Oct

There are times when you get a warning of an impending disaster. You’ll usually see the “be prepared to evacuate” warnings on your TV or on the radio. Take these seriously and make sure you’re prepared.

The one-hour list will start with everything that is on the five-minute list. That’s always going to be necessary as there isn’t always the advance warning of a wildfire approaching or a disaster happening.

There are items that you can pack on top of that. These are items that you don’t want to lose forever, including sentimental items and heirlooms. You will also have more time to grab extra clothes and some sort of alternative transportation like a bike. You’re not taking the whole house, though!

One-Hour Evacuation List

Here are the items you need to keep track of. Make sure you put the locations down so that people with the task know where everything is easily.
• Pet food and bowls
• Desktop computer
• Antique vases/heirlooms/sentimental items
• Portraits and paintings
• Pet toys
• Clean clothes and extra shoes
• Hiking packs
• Mountain bikes

Things To Do Before Evacuation

Then there are things that you will need to do to make sure your house is secure. You want to prevent major damage if you can. You’ll also want to make sure items are ready to grab for when the order comes.

• Get pets and pet items in one room and keep them there
• Move all items you will take in the emergency in the room with the pets
• Remove propane tanks from the grill
• Change into comfortable clothing for the evacuation
• Get vehicles ready for the drive
• Move furniture away from the windows
• Bring in deck chairs and pillows
• Move any wooden furniture off the deck
• Close all interior doors
• Place a fire extinguisher outside
• Have chainsaw and fire tools ready outside
• Turn off propane to the house
• Spray the house with fire gel
• Place an extension ladder outside, laid down flat
• Make a note for firefighters about flammable items, power cutoffs, etc.
• Have your pond, hot tub, pool ready for use by the firefighters
• Keep vehicles being left behind out of the way of the driveway

If firefighters don’t know where items are, they will waste time in finding them. If they believe that someone could be left behind, they will take the time searching. In your note, make it clear that everyone and all pets have been evacuated. This takes one item off their list so they can stick to the job of putting out the fire.

Firefighters are working hard to keep the situation under control. If you can, leave some snacks out for them to grab and go. They will appreciate it!