Tonight in Utah we have a wild fire burning out of control. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, many with less than fifteen minutes notice.. People are scrambling to grab pets, medications, pictures, all those things that couldn’t be replaced.
Look around your home, what would you grab first?
No matter where you live you should have an evacuation plan. Whether its wild fires, hurricanes, earthquakes or some other natural disaster you never know when your home may become uninhabitable. It will help to have a plan and hope you never have to use it.
Have an emergency bag packed and ready to go with food and water. Granola bars and things that will last a while are your best bets. Throw in diapers if you have a baby. Make sure everyone knows the plan and where to meet or who to call if you have to evacuate.
Grab your pets and some pet food.
Make sure all your important papers are in one place in a lock box you can grab. Put negatives to pictures in there as well.
Don’t forget any medications your family will need. If you have babies remember their formula.
Grab your purse, you are going to need identification and money.
Many of us would grab computers and the like, this is great, if you have time but it’s more important to grab a change of clothes for everyone and personal hygiene items.
Make sure you have your cell phone and a battery operated radio and flashlight.
Keep blankets in the trunk of your car so they are always ready to go.
Most of all, be patient. It could take a while before you can go home and you may need to stay with friends or in an emergency shelter. Try to remain calm. Everything can be replaced except the people you love so if they make it to safety, you have everything you need.