- Pack important papers
- Turn off gas
- Distance BBQ tanks
- Pet cages/carriers & food
- Leave outside lights on so FD can see your home through smoke.
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
__ Computers (time permitting)
Money
__ Check books
__ Savings books
__ Credit cards
__ Cash
__ Purse
__ Wallet
__ Blank checks
Medications
__ Prescriptions
__ Analgesics
__ Motion sickness tablets (for pets & people)
__ 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
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
__ Cose 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)
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
SMS Pal, Inc.