Evacuation Backpack

Evacuation Backpack

Your Evacuation Backpack contains those things you want to take with you that will help keep you and your family safe during an evacuation, as well as help speed your recovery from a disaster. Most items from this kit will easily fit into a medium size duffle bag or backpack. You may find many of these items around your house, but in an emergency evacuation you may not have time to gather all of them. Add to the list as you see fit. Original documents such as birth, marriage and death records should be kept in a safe deposit box away from your home.

• Assemble a backpack for each member of the family.

  • A copy of your Grab and Go Checklist, also known as the Top 10 list of irreplaceable possessions that you will take if you have time to evacuate via a vehicle (note the item and where it is located in your house to save time). Collect these items just before leaving your house.
  • A copy of the Evacuation Plan Checklist to guide you during evacuation
  • Basic personal hygiene items for all family members (washing, shaving, dental, eye-care, sanitary)
  • Extra eyeglasses
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
  • Flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries and extra cell phone charger
  • Safety goggles, cotton gloves and a dust mask for each family member to protect against smoke and heat in case of evacuating during a large fire
  • One change of clothes for each family member (focus on socks and underwear first)
  • Pet leash and/or carrying box and small amount of pet food
  • List of important phone numbers, including your designated out-of-area contact
  • Emergency Contact cards for each member of the family