Just Some Basics....

[desertrat4evr]

Being 'resourceful' is a real virtue, however, don't be afraid to 'delegate' duties to other grownups or older children in the house to have duties too. Make yourself a 'family' plan for emergencies that are relevant to where you live, tornaodes, huricanes, fires, and such. The whole family knowing the plan will ensure all pertinent things are taken care of depending who's home at the time.

Some basics to take care of to keep your house safe:

1. Have a pair of pliers handy if you need them, where you need them for shutting things off.

2. Shut off any gas lines, water lines & power lines (circuit breaker) if you have the access to do this.

3. Have an emergency box or bags ready (already packed with essentials) to be loaded in car.

4. Make sure you have food & water for your family & any pets you take.

5. Have cash put away because ATM machines may be down.

6. If you have extra time get fueled up before the 'big rush' or fuel runs out.

7. If asked to evacuate, leave promptly before roads get congested.

Anyone have anything else to add?????

[airadan]

Thats a good list!  I'm terrible about the cash thing! 

Medications and first aid kits too!

[momofsix1966]

Oh my my my, well .... I have actually had to evacuate several times now (not including the times as a child)  For me one of the most important things was... "things" mean NOTHING!!!  

I had to leave in 4 hours and  had to decide everything instantly!!   I learned a LOT from that experience!!!   Now I try to keep a tote of emergency food, basic tools, first aid kit, and water. 

I also have a fireproof box for my important papers (that you MUST take with you )  like , insurance HOUSE and auto, birth cert. wedding cert. , land and or house deed -/ rental agreement ect... 

your months bills (yes you still have to pay them even if you arent' there!!  LOL)  At the very least you will have the phone numbers and account numbers with you.  

I am working on getting all of my photos put on disc so that I can take that in a fire proof box as well.

Clean out your fridge and freezer ahead of time if possible -- YUKKK if you don't LOL(canning is better than freezing because of Hurricane Season)

Bring "comfort" items for yourself and for you family esp. kiddos.  It can be quiet an experience and a few things from home can really  help!

Saving evac. cash is sooooo important!!!   Hard to do but absolutely  mandatory!!  We try to keep a gas card just for such an occasion and NOTHING else!!    Had to use it this year, so we KNOW it is important!    You can get a Walmart card and charge it up a little each week or month and that way you will have it if you need it (just a thought).

OK I'll shut up now...LOL   I'll post later for those who stay and don't evac... LOL

[GoldenDawne]

I'm more prepared now- especially after reading the book- Life as we knew it, about famine, etc (see my journal, Life as we knew it).

[DogsMom]

I have what I need in case of emergency, what I need is a system for keeping it handy and not piling everyday things on top.

I need a better mindset about the importance of being prepared.

Guess I need someone to nag me the way I nag other members of family to put your things where they belong.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I will print out a list and keep it inside a kitchen cupboard door. Heaven help me if I posted it on the refrigerator door!