With all the fires, I thought it might be good to make a list off stuff to pack in case you have to evacuate, especially amid the pandemic.Â
Face masks, at least two per person. Make sure you either bring n95 masks without the filter valves or n95 with valves and cloth/surgical masksÂ
Sanitation supplies such as hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, soap and disinfectant wipes
Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
Medication, supplies and home-use medical devices
Medications list: include all prescriptions and other important medical information
Glasses (or contact lenses, but I recommend glasses because smoke could aggravate your eyes and contact lenses wonât help with that)
A portable radio (even walkie-talkies is better than nothing)
Charging cables for your cellphone and a portable cellphone battery pack if possible
A copy of your ID and other important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
Baby supplies, if applicable
Water: one gallon a person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home) This one is important, dehydration is easy with all this smoke. At the very very least, pack a water bottle.
Food: nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home) Think canned and dry stuff.
printed list of phone numbers and email addresses for important contacts
whistle - to signal for help
If you have enough time and know how to safely, turn off your gas. But only if you have enough time.
Pack all of this in a bag and put it near the evacuation route you plan to take (back door, front door, etc). But not so near that it obscures the door. If possible, put a pair of shoes near your evacuation route too.Â
Remember, all of this is beforehand! If you get orders to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible. If fire is very close to your house/apartment/what have you, do not spend time gathering all this stuff. Just get out.