Build Your Evacuation Bag with this Checklist

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So global climate change means you’re now facing intense weather – weather that could uproot you from your home. From a hurricane along the west coast, to wildfires and mudslides, there are increasing reasons you might have to evacuate your residence.

But how do you prepare for that unthinkable emergency? Take a deep breath, because there are 10 things you can prep now, to ensure that you can evacuate fast – and with everything you’ll need to survive and thrive in the transition.

Remember that the goal of an evacuation bag or kit is to get to a safe location, not to rough it on the road. You aren’t going on a Jack London walkabout, you are fleeing to a safe point, where you will have what you need to ride out the crisis.

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! Passports/scans, drivers license & other ids (plus scans), marriage license, adoption certificates, immunization records, property deeds and insurance forms. Have your major documents with you or copied and encrypted onto your smart phone. This way, you have proof of who you are and what you own after the disaster has passed.
Two to three days of clothes, especially undergarments and socks. Damp socks cause blisters – not what we need to worry about when evacuating. Having a few changes means if you have to wash by hand, you have spares to wear while everything dries.
Soap. While packing travel versions of all your toiletries is good (especially a toothbrush and toothpaste!), a basic bar of soap can get your body and clothes clean. Plan to have a bar of soap packed away alongside other personal care items.
Water, refillable water bottle, and water filtration. You never know what the hydration situation will be on the road. If there is the chance you might have to walk out on foot, having water filtration means you can gather water and stay hydrated after your prepackaged water bottle runs dry. This will also come in handy if you are in a displacement camp without an established clean water system. My favorite portable water filter is the Sawyer).
Snacks and food that doesn’t require cooking. Grab those granola bars, and pack those protein bars. For evacuation purposes you’re looking for quick calories you can eat while on the move. Don’t go for stuff you have to stop and cook, they take up space in your evac bag, and could slow down your progress. Grab something like these Cliff bars. Add a few small treats, like flavored water packs or small hard candies, that can lift your spirits when the overwhelm sets in.
Over The Counter and prescription medications. If you can get an extra week of your essential prescription medications from your doctor and keep them in your evac bag, that’s ideal. If not, have a few days in your kit, and mindfully switch out as you refill. Keep a basic pain and fever reducer, anti-diarrheal, heartburn and upset stomach, and allergy medications on hand. Have child appropriate versions if evacuation with kids. If you can, try to pack a small first aid kit. Even a zip-top plastic baggie with bandits, antiseptic, blister care, burn cream, and gauze can go a long way. Here is an excellent small first aid kit.
N95 mask. While these became familiar in the pandemic, a mask will help prevent airborne particulates from entering your airway. Especially if you are in a wildfire zone where there is the risk of smoke, having masks is essential. These N95 masks are made in the USA.
Cash in small bills. When there a crissi cash become king. If the internet or phone lines are down, then your credit or debit cards can’t be used. Aim to keep $100 for every member of your family on hand – and keep them in small bills ($1, $5, $10 and a few $20s). If something costs $0 but you only have $20s, you’ll pay double to get what you need.
Back up charging cables for phone, and a solar charger. In our plugged in world, you want to make sure your main line of communication can be charged. Don’t waste some scrambling for cables, have a backup set and battery or solar charger on hand. Bonus points if you grab a solar charger and radio combo (like this) – it can serve to give you weather updates even if the internet or cell service is down.
List of sentimental items to grab if there’s time. This includes photo albums, stuffed animals, hard drive back ups, etc. While you don’t have to pack them in your evac kit, if there are a few small items that are emotionally meaningful, stashing them in or near your evac bag may mean having time to grab them. If the worst case pays out and you return to a devastated home, having one or two sentinel items will mean the world to your family.