How to be Prepared for Quick Evacuation

Disaster can strike at any moment. Because it can be hard to predict when a disaster is coming, it is recommended by your local restoration company that you be prepared in the event that something does happen. One thing you should always be prepared for is a quick evacuation with little advance notice.

One of the best things that you can do to start is have a 72-hour kit in your home for every member of your family. You can either purchase an already-packaged 72-hour kit, or you can put together a kit yourself.

Food and Water

It is recommended that you have a minimum of a 3-day supply of food and water for each person. Suggestions for items to keep on hand include:

  • Protein or Granola Bars
  • Trail Mix or Dried Fruit
  • Crackers or Cereals
  • Canned Meat (avoid pop-top cans as they can leak)
  • Jerky (keep separate from other foods)
  • Canned Juice or Powdered Drink Mixes
  • Candy or Gum
  • One Gallon of Water Per Person, Per Day

If you have young children or anyone with a special diet living in your home, it is important to pack appropriate food to meet their individual needs.

Fuel and Lights

  • Battery Lighting
  • Extra Batteries
  • Flares
  • Candles
  • Lighter and Water-Proof Matches

 

Personal Documents and Money

Store all your personal documents and money in a safe, waterproof place. Information that you should include:

  • Passports, Drivers Licenses, Birth and Marriage Certificates, Wills and Contracts
  • Vaccination Records
  • Insurance Policies
  • Cash, Credit Cards, Banking Information

Equipment

Keep these items separate from your camping gear, as you’ll need to be able to quickly grab them and go.

  • Can Opener
  • Dishes/Utensils
  • Shovel
  • Radio
  • Pen and Paper
  • Ax
  • Pocket Knife
  • Rope
  • Duct Tape

Bedding and Clothing

In the state of an emergency, having clean clothes can make all the difference. Items to pack should include:

  • Change of Clothing (Warm and Cool Weather Options)
  • Jacket and/or Coat
  • Blankets and Emergency Blankets
  • Cloth Sheet
  • Plastic Sheet

Personal Supplies and Medication

If possible, have items stored in travel-size containers.

  • First Aid Kit
  • Toilet Paper, Feminine Hygiene Items, Baby Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer, Soap, Dish Soap, Bleach
  • Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Children’s Medication, Allergy Medication
  • Enough Prescription Medication to last at least three days

In addition to making sure that you have sufficient supplies, you’ll want to check your 72-hour kit every six months or so to rotate out old food and add to it as needed. If you have room, consider including a deck of cards or small toys for children, as you might find yourself needing to kill time.

When disasters happen and you need to get out quickly, it can be hard to know what you need to grab to take with you. Being prepared can make a scary, stressful situation a little easier to bear. Upon returning home, a restoration company can help restore your home from any damage that may have occurred as a result. At Entrusted, we know that when disaster strikes you want someone you can trust to help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. We have teams of dedicated professionals who work hard to restore your home from water, fire, or mold damage so you don’t have to worry about it.