
Recently, we have all been affected by the wild fires here in Los Angeles. Here in LA, we all know people, friends or family that have been directly or indirectly affected. It is horrible to witness. It is with profound gratitude to the LAPFD and other fire fighters from across the country and other nations who have offered help that we honor the men and women who heroically fought and continue to fight the fires. To them, we say "Thank You."
Personally, my family was warned that we could be forced to evacuate. We saw the flames, we saw the smoke, and we felt the winds. It was then that I realized, that I wasn't exactly sure what to pack. Fortunately, the evacuation orders never came. But we were packed and ready to go, just in case....
This got me to thinking and doing some research.
What do I pack if I had no time, some time, or enough time to really pack.
Here's what the research showed:
If You Have Less Than 10 Minutes
Focus on immediate safety and essentials only:
Family and Pets: Ensure everyone is ready to go, including pets in carriers with leashes.
Emergency Kit: Pre-prepared "Go Bag" with:
Water, non-perishable snacks.
Medications.
Flashlight, phone chargers, and power bank.
Important Documents:
Grab a folder with ID, insurance, and critical papers if it’s accessible.
Essential Electronics:
Phone and charger (power bank, if available).
Clothing:
A jacket, sturdy shoes, and masks (N95 for smoke).
Cash and Keys:
Ensure you have your wallet and car keys.
Time-Saving Tip: Have a pre-packed "Go Bag" stored in an easily accessible place for this scenario.
If You Have About 30 Minutes
You have more time to gather important and slightly less critical items:
Immediate Needs (from the 10-minute list).
Additional Clothing:
Pack a small bag with weather-appropriate outfits for a few days.
Valuables:
Grab irreplaceable sentimental items (e.g., photos, small heirlooms).
Electronics:
Laptop, external hard drives, and backup drives.
Pet Supplies:
Food, water, and medications for pets.
Extra Documents:
Marriage certificates, wills, home deeds, medical records, etc.
If You Have More Than 1 Hour
You can be more thorough and prepare for extended displacement:
All Items from the 30-Minute List.
Comfort Items:
Blankets, pillows, favorite toys for kids, or books.
More Clothing and Personal Items:
Include a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries.
Home Preparation:
Shut off gas, electricity, and water (if advised).
Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked for firefighters.
Food and Water:
Pack enough for several days for both humans and pets.
Additional Valuables:
Larger heirlooms or sentimental items if safe to retrieve.
General Tips
Plan Routes: Know evacuation routes in advance.
Communication: Notify someone of your plan and destination.
Stay Informed: Listen to official updates via radio or phone.
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