Packing for disaster means thinking ahead

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Published Date 1/17/2025

“But by the grace of God….” is a phrase that has no doubt been used by many of us when witnessing news of the destruction and devastation being left by the Los Angeles fires, still not fully contained, with 100,000 people now displaced and tens of thousands of homes lost.

When we hear the word “evacuation,” however, few of us can fathom what that truly entails. While many L.A. residents didn’t have time to prepare for their evacuation, experts recommend that if you live in a fire, flood, or drought zone, preparing for the worst is the wisest route. And Realtor.com’s Yael Bizouati-Kennedy offers the most important tips on what to grab before you’re forced to flee.

The first is to know your evacuation route so as to avoid panic as well as getting trapped in traffic. “Many states have predetermined evacuation zones and routes. But as we’ve seen, sometimes plans have to change,” says Bizouti-Kennedy. You can stay informed by listening constantly to local alerts online or on the radio. Experts advise that you have backup routes planned as well, as things can change quickly. Major news outlets share information like maps of the wildfires and updates on evacuation routes and road closures, but it takes them time to compile all of their reporting. Relying on local wildland and fire organizations for resources like road closures will be faster. And when the call comes through that it’s time to move quickly, Bizouti-Kennedy says these are the key items you want to make sure are with you when you leave.

Lives are the most important, of course. Gather everyone you love before you evacuate, whether they be the people in your household plus your furry friends and pets, and make sure you are all together when it’s time to move. Before all that happens, however, know the location of the nearest shelter. For that you can call the Red Cross, who will provide a map with a shelter list during all major weather events. (For California residents, Cal Fire also provides a list of shelters.)

Severe weather can strike at any time of year, from wildfires and floods to hurricanes, tornadoes, and extreme storms, so having an emergency kit is crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones when disaster strikes. That kit should include first-aid, flashlights, battery packs, a weather document bag, a personal property inventory, a portable weather radio, bottled water, and nonperishable food, says experts. Evacuees with babies should prepare a bag with diapers, formula, medication, and clothing changes and evacuees with pets should also keep in mind other considerations, such as knowing which shelters accept pets. Your pet bag should include necessary medications, current vaccination records, a list of the pet’s medical needs, a veterinarian’s number, a multiple-day supply of dry food, a crate labeled with the pet’s name and contact information, a leash and a first-aid kit.

As for taking your most important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, medical records, insurance information, and phone numbers, it’s not always easy to dig them up quickly. So having a file that contains them all in one place is vital. Place it in the trunk of the car so that if you need to evacuate suddenly, you’re covered.

Other necessary items include medical supplies, including prescription and nonprescription medication, and eyeglasses or contact lenses. Make copies of the prescription written out by the doctor if at all possible, and keep that information with your other documents. Taking photos of all and any of what we’ve just mentioned is a great backup as well, keeping all that information in a secure document online. For more about how to do that, try OneHub or Docusign.

Mementos that hold the most value can be helpful in an emergency evacuation situation. “While you probably won’t be able to take everything, knowing which irreplaceable items, such as photos or family heirlooms, matter the most can be helpful,” says Bizouti-Kennedy. “But be practical and realistic and choose items that are easy to carry.”

Extremely important are phones, computers, and chargers during this critical time, so that you have a constant link to the outside world. And last but certainly not least, take any cash you have plus all of your banking and credit cards with you during the evacuation.

Realtor, TBWS

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