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| The name brand version of these bags are the "Harvard Document Bag". For our purposes, any light, flexible and distinctive looking document bag will work, and last many years. Note that I can carry the document file draped across my shoulder, the evacuation medical kit in one hand, and one backpack on me. This means that one other backpack can be carried by my husband, and the kids can carry personal items and animal supplies. |
By now, most of you have a Medical Supply Closet, an Evacuation Medical Bag, a General Evacuation Bag, and we must consider another variety. This is a "Document Evacuation Bag". Many of us keep essential documents in a safe deposit box or even a safe, but if you left your home, and a tornado or a flood hit and you never could return to your home, or simply never did, you would need a variety of documents. I formulated one of these some time ago, and it lives in a hidden home safe, so that it could depart with us quickly if need be. (Make sure that you and another member of your household can open the safe quickly. Practice if necessary.)
Some of the things contain in mine are:
Passports
Original copies of birth certificates (Other Originals are in a safe deposit box)
Original copy of marriage certificate (Yes, they had them back in the Dark Ages)
Social Security Cards, if not just numbers
Copies of university transcripts and copies of college degree diplomas
Copies of professional licenses
Very small typed listing of all banking and insurance information (house, car, health etc.) and account numbers.
(Some people include a flash drive with this information as a backup as well.)
Discs with family photos on them.
Property Deed copies (and a survey if you have room)
Vehicle Deed copies.
Blank checks, banking paperwork
We also have a disc with our farm, rooms, and possessions documented should we ever need to claim on our insurance.
Keys
We also keep a small file with Called Health Evacuation File which includes
1. Brief health histories for each family member,
2. Med sheet for each family member
3. Physician and dentist listing, and pharmacy contact info for each family member
4. Pictures of each person
5. We also keep xerox copies of any long term prescriptions we are on, in the event that we ever had to evacuate this area and prove that we were taking certain medications.
You may wish to add:
Legal Documents
Tax information if needed
Remember that this is a starting point. Different families and individuals will need to configure different types of Document Evacuation Kits.
Details and complete information on this topic can be found in my book:
Rational Preparedness: A Primer to Preparedness
which is available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com
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Once you have gathered the kits we have discussed, courtesy of : Phantomranch.net
They recommend the following:
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WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING
- ___ Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in ignition
- ___ Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds
- ___ Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener)
- ___ Close or cover outside vents and shutters
- ___ Cose sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DON'T lock them)
- ___ Determine where separated members will meet
- ___ Disconnect propane tank
- ___ Don't tie up telephone lines (notify friends and relatives by e-mail where to contact you)
- ___ Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination
- ___ Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water
- ___ Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank
- ___ Follow any official agency's evacuation instructions
- ___ If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob
- ___ Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and smoke
- ___ Lock doors and windows
- ___ Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.)
- ___ Move overstuffed furniture away from windows
- ___ Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route
- ___ Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire
- ___ Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground
- ___ Prepare an "information note" to leave on the door detailing who you are and where you have gone
- ___ In your "information note" tell where flammables are (such as lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place)
- ___ Release any livestock in the area
- ___ Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house
- ___ Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains
- ___ Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers
- ___ Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves
- ___ Turn off natural gas at meter
- ___ Turn on exterior lights
WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE
- ___ Clear debris from roof and gutters
- ___ Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles)
- ___ Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants
- ___ Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes
- ___ Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump
- ___ Document an annotated list of all belongings
- ___ Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available
- ___ Install chimney screen or spark arrestor
- ___ Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks
- ___ Install only non-combustible roof material
- ___ Install screens on foundation and eave vents
- ___ Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows
- ___ Install smoke detectors and test quarterly
- ___ Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full
- ___ Make a video of all belongings, talking about each
- ___ Post load limits on access bridges
- ___ Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road
- ___ Practice family fire drill and evacuation plans
- ___ Practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL (should clothes catch on fire)
- ___ Prepare a list of valuables to take with you (store together, if possible)
- ___ Remove branches that overhang withing 15 feet of roof and chimney
- ___ Remove trash and debris accumulations
- ___ Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof
- ___ Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house
- ___ Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup
- ___ Thin and prune your trees and brush
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The suggestions within the two sets of undulating lines are the work product of Phantomranch.net
