1. Sentimental Keepsakes
An especially devastating moment in a natural disaster is choosing which keepsakes to take with you in the case of an evacuation. Wedding photos, baby albums, family letters, priceless refrigerator artwork from the kids—it’s hard to know how much it means until you’re faced with losing it. Buy It: Unlimited Cloud Backup, Backblaze
2. Nonperishable Food and Water
No matter the natural disaster you’re facing, you’ll always want to be prepared with first aid essentials. The American Red Cross recommends packing enough water to give each person and pet in your evacuation group 1 gallon per day. A good alternative to hauling jugs of prepackaged gallons of water is to purchase a filter bottle that removes bacteria and parasites. To keep you fueled throughout a natural disaster, you should also plan a nonperishable food supply kit (think prepackaged snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, tuna packets, and granola bars).
3. A First Aid Kit
Your emergency first aid kit should include the basics: medications (both prescription and over-the-counter medications, like antihistamines and painkillers), adhesive bandages, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, gauze, and towelettes. Buy It: Reusable Dust, Pollen and Germ Mask, The Home Depot
4. A Satellite Communication Device
When cell phone signals are disrupted, a small satellite communicator will allow you to remain in touch with friends and family. The off-the-grid technology allows you to send and receive text messages, access weather reports, and share your location with friends. If necessary, the satellite device can trigger an SOS signal to an emergency response team. Buy It: inReach Mini Satellite Communicator, Garmin
5. A Survival Whistle
6. An Animal Anxiety Vest and Emergency Pet Supplies
Your pet is likely to be fearful and uneasy as they sense the changes around them. Along with emergency pet supplies, including an ID tag, you’ll want to pack something to help keep your pet calm. An anxiety shirt, which swaddles the pet with gentle pressure, can help to soothe a distressed pet. If you don’t have time to get an anxiety shirt, wrap your pet in extra blankets or towels for comfort and warmth, particularly if he or she will be traveling in a pet carrier.
7. Identification, Insurance, and Medical Documents
Take a moment to consider all the paperwork you would need during a serious emergency or throughout a natural disaster: birth certificates, passports, property records, insurance information. Could you gather all of that in a matter of hours—or minutes? Building an organized emergency preparation box in advance gives you a sense of relief. Look for a watertight filing box with a handle, so you can sort paperwork into folders and take them with you.
8. Emergency Cash
While many people don’t make a habit of carrying cash, it can be particularly useful to have some on hand during a natural disaster because power outages may put credit card and ATM machines out of commission. Set aside $20-150 in your wallet or go-kit for gas expenses and emergency needs. Traveler’s checks are an option that have an additional layer of safety because your signature must match the check for it to be used.
9. Important Back-Up Files and Keys
You may not think you need a spare set of house or car keys during an evacuation, but you will want them later. The same applies to external computer hard-drives, mailbox keys, and security box keys. If you’re nervous about having all your spare keys in one spot, consider housing them in a security box that has a lock code.
10. Clothing, Toiletries, and Hygiene Products
Grab a pair of durable boots or walking shoes, hats and gloves, a winter or rain-repellent jacket, underwear, socks, jeans or slacks, and a shirt for each person. If time allows, pack a few essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, and cleansing wipes in a resealable plastic bag. Contact solution, contact lenses, and eye drops are also important to take if you use them. Hopefully, you’ll never be faced with the decision of what to take and what to leave behind, but if you and your loved ones need to evacuate, this preparedness checklist can help you safeguard meaningful belongings and quickly move to safety.
