• Have at least 1/2 tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
• Flashlight, portable radio.
• Round up your pets: Get them secured and ready to go into the car with no way of escape before they are loaded into the car (this is especially important with cats).
• Make a prior arrangement to contact a neighbor or friend who might be available to help you in an evacuation situation with loading or driving a second or third vehicle or to help with large animals such as horses/penned animals, etc.
• Have pet carriers, leashes, food bowls, food, litter boxes, litter and other pet needs ready to go and ready for car (store in a secure place so these are easily loaded into the car).
• Have very important files, back‐up disks, plug‐in USB virtual drive, small compact file box ready to go.
• Include such things as homeowner’s policy, auto policies, life and investment files, bank records, legal documents, licenses, etc. (or store in a fireproof safe or fireproof bunker).
• Computer CPU (hard‐drive most important) if you have no back‐ups.
• Photograph albums, photo CDs, etc. Have these ready, packed, stored in a secure place to go immediately into car (or store in a fireproof safe).
• Cameras and expensive jewelry or important electronic devices.
• Suitcase filled with old but useable clothing, socks, underwear, jackets, sweatshirt, extra shoes, etc.
• Keep this packed ahead. Include a bag for him and for her of toiletry items, including deodorant, disposable shavers, extra toothbrushes, shampoo and shaving cream, toothpaste, extra regular medications to last a few days.
• If you have enough room, consider a few items from your camping or picnic supplies.
• Pillows and light blankets (in case you might have to sleep outside while evacuated).
• If time, draft email, send to friends and family about your intentions.
• All household and car keys, wallet, handbag, cellphones and any credit cards you keep in a drawer that you might need.
• Complete phone list or phone address book (snail and email), including cellphones of neighbors, family.
• Special or valuable items (make your own list).
• Close all windows, close all interior doors, remove curtains from area of windows.
• Turn off propane gas at tank, remove barbecue propane tank, take it with you or store in a secure place such as a bunker or away from your house.