the biggest problem with evacuation plans is that they aren't actually used until it's too late. nobody wants to start a panic, so they don't declare an evacuation until it's too late for everyone to get out in time.
this kind of thing is a good reminder that everyone should have something like the standard California "earthquake preparedness kit:"
a 3-day supply of water for everyone in your home
ready-to-eat food for your family and your pets
a first aid kit
tools and supplies (flashlights, radios, batteries, paper plates, pliers, tape, utility knives, etc.)
i think this doesn't put enough emphasis on pet needs, personally -- i add a disposable litterbox, a bowl for water, and leashes and harnesses for both cats. (and don't try to get a harness onto a cat before you go -- just toss them into the car and go. you can wrestle with them later.)
all of this should be stored in a waterproof container that you can easily carry out to your car, and you should check it at least once a year to make sure none of the food has expired, replace the water, check batteries, etc.; even as disorganized as i am, i know that if i had to evacuate, i could do it in about ten minutes.
think about computer files as well: if you don't have a laptop, have some sort of portable storage that will hold the files most important to you. that does not include your porn collection.
if important papers are an issue, keep the critical ones in a folder together so you can grab them quickly if you need to. color-coding this for visibility is a good idea.
photographs: if you have important ones, keep them all together, on the same table or shelf.
readers will want to save their books. i strongly recommend bringing a couple of books, but do NOT bring more than five. identify the ones most important to you and keep them together. don't allow yourself to dither over the rest. your books are not more valuable than your life. if they're slowing you down, leave them behind. period.
if you're ill or disabled, you should arrange with a neighbor -- not a friend across town -- for assistance in an emergency. don't expect to be able to count on calling 911; phones may go down, roads may be impassable. likewise, people with space in their vehicles should be aware of any neighbors who may need help. taking a couple of minutes to knock on your neighbor's door could save a life.
never leave your car's gas tank less than half full.
and, of course, most importantly: when they tell you to evacuate, evacuate. don't think about looters, don't question whether it's necessary, just go. if it wasn't necessary, you'll get home soon enough. if it was, you'll be very, very glad you didn't stay.
oh, and i forgot to mention: if you do have a car, and a little trunk space, it's a pretty good idea to have a cheap portable grill or camp stove in your vehicle and ready to go. don't forget charcoal and/or fuel. speaking of which, go back to that preparedness kit and make sure you have candles and matches.
Depending on notice, two hours and I'd have us out of here, with basic essentials. Including beasties. Your list is good. I'll use it. Most of it I already do. Just out of paranoid habit.
And most first aid kits are inadequate. Think hard about H2O2 and betadine and something approximating neosporin and the quallity of your sticky bandages. Big bandages can be torn from one's petticoats, but rolls of rayon tape will secure them best. Safety pins are better, but sometimes scarce.
(no subject)
this kind of thing is a good reminder that everyone should have something like the standard California "earthquake preparedness kit:"
i think this doesn't put enough emphasis on pet needs, personally -- i add a disposable litterbox, a bowl for water, and leashes and harnesses for both cats. (and don't try to get a harness onto a cat before you go -- just toss them into the car and go. you can wrestle with them later.)
all of this should be stored in a waterproof container that you can easily carry out to your car, and you should check it at least once a year to make sure none of the food has expired, replace the water, check batteries, etc.; even as disorganized as i am, i know that if i had to evacuate, i could do it in about ten minutes.
think about computer files as well: if you don't have a laptop, have some sort of portable storage that will hold the files most important to you. that does not include your porn collection.
if important papers are an issue, keep the critical ones in a folder together so you can grab them quickly if you need to. color-coding this for visibility is a good idea.
photographs: if you have important ones, keep them all together, on the same table or shelf.
readers will want to save their books. i strongly recommend bringing a couple of books, but do NOT bring more than five. identify the ones most important to you and keep them together. don't allow yourself to dither over the rest. your books are not more valuable than your life. if they're slowing you down, leave them behind. period.
if you're ill or disabled, you should arrange with a neighbor -- not a friend across town -- for assistance in an emergency. don't expect to be able to count on calling 911; phones may go down, roads may be impassable. likewise, people with space in their vehicles should be aware of any neighbors who may need help. taking a couple of minutes to knock on your neighbor's door could save a life.
never leave your car's gas tank less than half full.
and, of course, most importantly: when they tell you to evacuate, evacuate. don't think about looters, don't question whether it's necessary, just go. if it wasn't necessary, you'll get home soon enough. if it was, you'll be very, very glad you didn't stay.
(no subject)
I don't think I could do it properly in ten minutes.
And most first aid kits are inadequate. Think hard about H2O2 and betadine and something approximating neosporin and the quallity of your sticky bandages. Big bandages can be torn from one's petticoats, but rolls of rayon tape will secure them best. Safety pins are better, but sometimes scarce.