Weathering a storm, fire or other disaster starts with making an emergency evacuation plan for you and your family — including a detailed list of what to take with you.
The items you take may include clothing, food, water, medication, insurance documents and possibly even a few sentimental items like a journal or old photos. What you take will vary based on your household and needs. For example, you might have a baby or a pet that requires special accommodations or a family member who takes daily medication.
Start by making sure each family member has a backpack or other bag that’s sturdy, water-resistant and easy to carry, with pockets or compartments for finding items quickly. You may also want to get a container you can easily grab and place in your car for documents and other paper items.
Here are the things you may want to include when making your list of what to take with you if you evacuate your home.
Communication
Communication is essential when you evacuate in a hurricane, a tornado or other disaster. You may need to call for help, reach family members if you get separated and let faraway loved ones know how you’re doing. Here are the communication essentials to take when you evacuate:
- Cell phone and charger
- Laptop computer and charger
- Portable or emergency charger (in case you can’t plug in)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Two-way radios
Emergency Supplies
You’ll also need emergency supplies should you face unexpected or unusual situations such as cold or lack of electricity. Keep in mind that some of the things you usually rely on, such as ATMs, credit card machines and even your smartphone, may not be working. Pack these emergency items:
- A flashlight
- Extra batteries
- A complete first-aid kit (the Red Cross recommends a 115-item deluxe kit)
- A blanket
- A supply of cash
- A notebook and pen
- A map or road atlas
- Extra keys for your car and house
- Extra batteries for car key fob
- An all-purpose tool
Important Documents and Phone Numbers
It’s wise to have your important documents stored digitally so you can access them if physical copies get damaged. Here are some important documents to take:
- Driver’s licenses
- Passports
- Car registration
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill in your name)
- Deed to home (if you own) or lease (if you rent)
- Health insurance cards for the family
- Birth certificates for children
- Important phone numbers in case your phone isn’t working (family member/emergency contact, landlord, family doctor, pharmacist, pediatrician, veterinarian and insurance agent)
- Insurance documents (auto policy, home policy or renter’s policy, etc.)
- Veterinary records for your pet (showing current vaccinations, city license etc.)
Food and Water
Pack so that you and your family have enough food and water to get through at least three days. If you’re wondering what kind of food to put in an evacuation kit, experts recommend crackers, nut butter, dried fruit and nuts and seeds, juice boxes, energy bars, canned beans, canned fruit, canned meat and canned vegetables. Here’s what to pack to sustain you and your family:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
- A three-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- A can opener
Change of Clothes
Keep in mind that you may need multiple days’ worth of clothing, including a change of clothes in case what you’re wearing gets dirty or wet. Make sure to take:
- At least three changes of clothes for each person
- Extra undergarments and socks
- Spare pair of shoes for each person
Personal Care Items
The personal hygiene items you need to pack will vary based on your and your family’s needs, but here are some items you may want to include:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Dry shampoo
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal wipes (in case you can’t access a shower)
- Tissues
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Menstrual products
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Face masks (N95, KN95 or surgical masks)
- Vitamin supplements
Medications and Vision Care
If you or someone in your family takes medication or wears contacts or glasses, make sure to consider that when you pack. Your evacuation kit should include these vision and medical supplies:
- A one-week supply of prescription medication (blood pressure medicine, etc.)
- Any medical devices you need (hearing aids with extra batteries, walker, etc.)
- Contact lenses, lens case and multipurpose solution
- Glasses (take a backup pair even if you wear contacts)
- Reading glasses (take a spare pair if possible)
If you or your family have special health or medical needs, make a list of items you’ll need to add to your evacuation kit. For example, here’s a list of evacuation items for people with diabetes and here’s a list of evacuation items for those with food allergies.
Baby or Child Necessities
If you have a baby or toddler in the family, you’ll need to pack special supplies. Here are the items you may want to take for babies and young children:
- Baby food /formula
- Baby wipes
- Baby equipment you use (carrier, etc.)
- Bibs
- Burp rags
- Cups
- Diapers
- Camp stove (if you need to boil water for sanitizing)
- Extra blankets
- Extra water and soap for hand washing
- Nursing pads
- Pacifiers
- Snacks for toddlers or children
- Teething gel
- Thermos for formula
- Items to keep kids busy (coloring book and crayons, picture books, y etc.)
Pet Supplies
If you have furry, feather or scaly family members, you’ll need to make an evacuation plan for them ahead of time since many shelters don’t accept pets. If you plan to evacuate with your pets to a relative’s home or hotel, you may want to take:
- A three-day supply of non-perishable pet food (dry, canned etc.)
- Blankets or towels
- A three-day supply of water for each pet
- Food and water bowls
- Collar, harness and leash
- Pet bed
- Pet crate or carrier
- Pet chews and training treats
- Medications (flea medicine, heartworm medicine, etc.)
- Vet records (vaccinations, rabies tag etc.)
- Pet wipes
- Toys and chew toys
- Poop bags for dogs
- Litter box and litter for cats
Sentimental Items
You never want to risk your safety by taking time to gather possessions when you’re trying to evacuate in a hurry. But if you plan ahead, you may be able to pack a few sentimental items such as your child’s first drawing or your grandma’s engagement ring. Consider picking the three items that have the most sentimental value to you (as long as they’re easily portable) and packing them ahead of time.
You may be able to pack many of these essential items in advance so they’re ready to gather quickly. You may then want to make a list of items you want to take but can’t pack in advance, like your phones and chargers, so you know what to grab before you go.
Do you have an evacuation kit or list ready? Please comment and let us know. If you already have a kit, let us know if there was anything you forgot to include that you plan to add now.
View Comments (69)
While many are concerned about carrying everything to evacuate, evacuation is not the only reason to have these things ready. With the exception of threatening Fires, many times I have remained in my home during hurricanes. After one hurricane we were left without power for 3 weeks. The house and vehicles were fine for the most part, meaning that livability and normal functions were fine. But no power. Our whole area was dark. No ATMs, No stores open, no gas pumps working, no street lights. We were left with what we had in the house. At that time we did not have a generator. I have had one ever since. I keep most of the supplies mentioned and rotate them often. The biggest threats to us are hurricanes, tornadoes ( by the time you know one is coming it's too late to go anywhere) and a power outages..power grid outage, also no warning before it happens. I highly recommend a generator for a short term power source...that is until you run out of fuel and can't get any more, along with having everything mentioned on all the lists that apply to your situation. Get plenty of Duct tape also. Yes I live in the South!
ICE or a cooler for meds an leftover food. Also for injuries.
A stick or leaf stove to keep warm Incase you can't get propane. These little stoves are about 50.00. they burn sticks, little pieces of wood, leaves, etc. They are very small an portable. Could cook food or stay warm.
A CANDLE an matches in a car can keep you from freezing if car runs outa of gas or an accident
Solar charger for phone, lights, heated gloves or socks . You can get one for about 25.00 an up. They also make solar batteries. A 3.00 solar light in the window will supply light almost all night.
Please be advised I appreciate this kind of warning and include any pertinent insurance policy s both Home and auto policies;
Thank You kindly for your help in this matter. The preparation list so very helpful!
I hadn't thought of the kitty litter. We do have harnesses for each of them but I need to train them to walk with them. I'll get on it. No children anymore. Thanks for the clues!
I would have forgotten my insurance papers and Vet records. I'm making a list and getting a couple bags to be loaded.
Preparing bags ahead of time is definitely recommended and a good idea. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for caring!! I will pack my bags.
That sounds good, Grace! We're glad you found the article useful.
Very good list, thanks. It is complete and I hope I never have to use it, but one never knows.
You're welcome, Stephanie! We hope you never have to use it either.
Thanks for reading!
A tent, big tarp or both. Air mattress(es). A fire steel.
These are great items to pack. Thank you so much
These are great items to pack. Thanks for the comment, Andrew!
Excellent tips. Thanks.
You're welcome, Carlos!
Difficult to take all this if a family (or single person) has no vehicle available. But, good information for this who can evacuate in a good-sized vehicle.
That's a good point. Thanks for commenting!