Evacuation kit

Ok lets's do this. Yes, this weekend. Flooding is imminent in many areas. It's not a question of "if," it's a question of when and how bad. Stop procrastinating! It's time to make this happen.

First off, where will you go? Do you have a relative or friend that can accomodate your family for a week, or perhaps longer? Or, would your homeowner's insurance pay for a hotel if you were displaced? Perhaps it's time to call a hotel and book a tentative stay. You don't want to be scrambling at the last minute.

Next, literally, buy a big Rubbermaid tub, or perhaps two. The first would be for food and supplies, the other for clothes and personal effects. However, in the even of extreme emergency and for example, a helicopter or boat rescue, the only thing you might be able to take is a backpack... so include that in tub #2.

In the first tub store water and non perishable food to last 72 hours, for your family and pets. Include a can opener, plates, matches, a candle, plastic garbage bags, a flashlight, empty coffee can and toilet paper. The empty coffee can and garbage bags are often overlooked but are two of the most important and most multi-purpose items.  A tarp, gloves, a pocket knife, a battery or crank operated radio, bandages and a first aid kit are also recommended.

In your second tub, the most important items are your personal identification, a phone, cash (ATM, debit etc may not be available) insurance info (phone/contact number/file number) clothing including hats and footwear, medication.

Lastly, know your physical evacuation route. What highway will you take? Who is your point of contact? Pick one friend or family member to communicate with. They can update the others. At what point should they start looking for you?

It sounds very scary. But all you need to do is to think like a Boy Scout. Plan ahead and prepare, then hope for the best. Start "tuning in" to local authorities. Most areas have web sites or hotlines to call for the latest flood forecasts and information.  And while I have mentioned flooding here, these emergency prepared kits/evacuation kits would be the same in response to fire evacuation, earthquake or other natural disaster.

As I asked in another blog posting... can you do 72?