Preparing for Wildfire Evacuation: Essential Items and Documents You Need

Essential Items to Take During Wildfire Evacuation

When faced with the imminent threat of a wildfire, it's crucial to have a plan in place for evacuation. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the top items to take include prescriptions and other medicines, a first aid kit, bottled water, a flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries, clothing and bedding, special equipment for infants or elderly or disabled family members, comfort items for children, computer hard drive and laptop, cherished photographs, and pet food and other items for pets.

Key Documents to Secure Before Evacuation

In addition to essential items, securing key documents is equally important. These include prescriptions, birth and marriage certificates, passports, drivers license or personal identification, Social Security cards, insurance policies, recent tax returns, employment information, wills and deeds, stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates, financial information, and a home inventory. According to a study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 43% of households have no home inventory, which can complicate insurance claims post-disaster.

Immediate Evacuation: The Only Option

Unfortunately, when authorities issue an evacuation order, there's no time to gather all these items and documents. The fire could be upon you in moments. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), in 2020 alone, over 4.2 million acres were burned in California, a stark reminder of the urgency of evacuation orders. Therefore, it's essential to prepare these items and documents in advance and keep them in an easily accessible location.