Wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados. In the event of a natural disaster or mandatory evacuation, it is hard to know what to take with you and how you can best prepare. While we hope you will never need to utilize this checklist of important documents, items, and information you should need during a natural disaster – it is better to be safe than sorry.
In the event you have to evacuate, below is a time-guided checklist to help you secure your home, your loved ones, and your personal assets.
15 Minute:
- Prescriptions, Medical Devices
- Wallet / Purse
- Extra Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
- Flashlights, Headlamps, Whistle
- Face Masks / Covering (Smoke Inhalation), N95 Masks, Gloves
- Infant Supplies
- Kid’s Special Comfort Item
- Pet Supplies: Pet Food and Water, Leashes, Collars, Crates, Plastic Bags, Microchip Numbers, Contact Information of Owner, Litter Box and Litter for Cats)
- Cell Phone with Chargers / Backup Battery
- Personal Computers with Chargers, External Hard Drives
- Credit Cards, Cash, or Traveler’s Checks
- Birth Certificates, Passports, Driver’s Licenses, SS Cards, Marriage Certificate
- Health Insurance Cards, Vaccination Records (for humans and pets)
- Estate Planning Documents: Wills / Trusts, Directives, etc.
- Banking and Account Records / Documents
- Tax Returns (up to 3 years)
- Home Insurance Information
- Titles / Deeds for Home and Vehicle
30 Minute:
- Pillow, Sleeping Bags, Blankets
- Easily Carried Valuables (jewelry, etc.)
- Important Phone Numbers / Address Book
- Feminine Products / Personal Hygiene Items
- First Aid Kit
- Books, Games, Toys
- Change of Warm Clothing for 3-7 days, Closed-toed Shoes
- Battery-Powered Radio and Extra Batteries
- Gasoline for Your Car and Generator, Gas Can
- 3 Gallons of Water Per Person
- Toilet Paper, Hand Wipes, and Disinfecting Wipes
1 Hour:
- Ice Cooler with Ice, Food, Drinks
- 3-Day Supply of Non-Perishable Food, Special Diet Items
- Paper Plates, Cups, Utensils
- Video record a tour of your home to document important valuables for insurance purposes
- Personal Property List, Photos, & Appraisals
2 Hours:
- Family Photos, Heirlooms and Keepsakes, Art, Collections
- Military Decorations, Records, Mementos, Plaques, etc.
- Luggage (packed)
- Secondary Vehicles, RV, Motorcycles, etc.
- Camping Equipment, Tent
Prep Home for Firefighters (If Time Allows):
- Turn off all lights
- Turn off HVAC and Gas, unplug appliances
- Close all windows, interior and exterior doors
- Open all gates
- Place fireproof tarps over wood piles
- Ladders in front yard
- Hoses hooked up with nozzle sprayers
- Move propane tanks, flammable items, outdoor furniture 30 feet away from house
- Take or Safeguard Guns / Remove Ammunition and move 30 feet away from house
- Set out your portable pool fire pump and hose – allows you to use the water from the pool as a firefighting source quickly
Additional Tips for Evacuation Preparedness:
- Load with the car facing out, write names and emergency contact phone number on everyone’s arms
- Leave garage doors open (in case electricity is shut off)
- Tell your non-local emergency contacts you are evacuating
Recommended Apps:
Clime
(Hurricane Updates)
Pulse Point
(Localized Emergency Notifications)
Watch Duty
(Fire Updates)
Storm Shield
(Severe Weather Alerts & Radar)
For a full checklist of what to have in the event of a natural disaster or evacuation, please download our Beacon Pointe evacuation checklist to make sure you have what you need. We hope this information is of value to you and can help you stay safe should an emergency situation arise and remember to follow local and national law enforcement guidelines.
Important Disclosure: This content is for informational purposes only; following the above tips and guidelines does not guarantee the safety of your home, loved ones, animals, or assets. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Beacon Pointe has exercised all reasonable professional care in preparing this information and does not endorse any products that are mentioned. Some information may have been obtained from third-party sources we believe to be reliable; however, Beacon Pointe has not independently verified, or attested to, the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Nothing contained herein should be construed or relied upon as investment, legal or tax advice. Only private legal counsel may recommend the application of this general information to any particular situation or prepare an instrument chosen to implement the design discussed herein. An investor should consult with their financial professional before making any investment decisions.
