It’s Not Just a Checklist; It’s a Wake-Up Call
Are you prepared for an emergency evacuation? Do you know what essential items you need to have on hand? In the latest episode of Ready Radio, John Rush breaks down the “25 Survival Must-Haves” that everyone should stockpile.
As wildfires blaze through the hills near the KLZ station, John vividly illustrates why preparation is crucial, even if you live in the middle of the city. Remember the devastating fires in the Superior and Louisville areas, which destroyed a thousand homes? Could you be next?
Do you have a solid evacuation checklist? John shares a practical “15 Minutes to Pack” list that covers everything from digitizing important documents to ensuring your car is ready for a quick escape. Would you know what to pack if you had only 30 minutes to evacuate? John challenges conventional wisdom, advising on what’s truly necessary and what to leave behind.
What about your pets, kids, and irreplaceable heirlooms? Are they part of your plan? John provides insights on how to ensure your family and valuables are safe during a disaster. Do you have your essential documents digitized? Do you have a go-bag ready with all the necessities?
This episode is not just a checklist; it’s a wake-up call. Are you ready to face a sudden disaster? Don’t miss this life-saving conversation on Ready Radio. Listen now and make sure you’re fully prepared for whatever comes your way.
Emergency Evacuation Checklist
15 Minutes to Pack
- Back car in for quick departure
- Mark emergency contact info on forearms
- Critical medical items:
- Hearing aids
- Prescriptions
- Canes
- Oxygen
- CPAP machine
- Pet supplies:
- Leash
- Carrier
- Cash, wallet, and purse
- Birth certificates and passports (or digitized copies)
- Keys:
- Car
- House
- Shop
- Safety deposit box
- Phones, chargers, and power bank
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Coat, hat, leather gloves, and N95 mask
- Home insurance info (digitized)
- Deeds and titles (digitized)
- Kids’ special comfort items
- Infant supplies:
- Formula
- Bottles
- Diapers
30 Minutes to Pack
- Notify non-local emergency contacts of evacuation
- Valuables or family jewelry
- Photos and home videos (digitized)
- Address book and phone list (digitized)
- First aid kit
- Clothing for 3-7 days
- Pillow, sleeping bag, and blanket
- Drinking water
- Irreplaceable heirlooms
- Cremains (if desired)
- Food supplies:
- Protein bars
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water filter
- Glasses and/or contact lenses
- Firearm or pepper spray/bear spray (if applicable)
- Portable external hard drive with backups
- Additional eyeglasses
- Personal hygiene items:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Feminine products
- Activities for kids:
- Books
- Toys
- Pet supplies:
- Food
- Medications
- Toys
1 Hour to Pack
- Photos of the contents of each room (should be done in advance)
- Take or safeguard guns and ammo (if applicable)
- Special artwork (if time allows)
- Financial and medical files (digitized)
- Wills, powers of attorneys (digitized)
- Genealogy records (digitized)
- Appraisals and receipts (digitized)
- Fire extinguisher
- Chainsaw (for rural areas)
- School items for kids:
- Backpacks
- School supplies
- Military decorations, awards, and records
- Special diet items
- Extra eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Personal hygiene items:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Feminine products
- Activities for kids:
- Books
- Toys
- Pet supplies:
- Food
- Medications
- Toys
Additional Tips
- Destination Planning: Have a pre-planned destination. Avoid shelters if possible by planning to stay with friends or family outside the immediate area.
- Communicate with Local Authorities: Notify local fire or emergency departments if you evacuate, saving them time during searches.
- Go-Bag Preparation: Maintain a go-bag with essential items packed and ready to go at all times.
- Backup and Digitize: Ensure all important documents, photos, and data are digitized and backed up regularly.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local emergency alerts and be prepared to act quickly.
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For the “What-Ifs” of Life.
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“I don’t consider us a quote-unquote “prepper show.” I consider us a show to handle the “what-ifs” of life. And that could be everything from, yes, a global disaster or a simple bike crash, a car accident, or you fall on the ice. I mean, there are all sorts of things that come along that create a crisis, and I want to give people a way to prevent those and or handle them when they come along.” – John Rush
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