I hate the idea of having to evacuate from my home due to an emergency. Where I live, there is little chance of a wild fire driving me from home, but there are other scenarios to consider. First, a sudden alien invasion. Or a nuclear attack. I think an enemy invasion force would give me plenty of time to get ready. But let's consider something with little notice or warning.
Here is my Emergency Evacuation Supply List and Plan
If I had to get the family out of Dodge quickly, I would depend upon the family car. I keep it at three quarters full at all times. I keep the following in the car -
1 empty five gallon gas can
1 inverter
1 set jumper cables
1 CB radio + antenna
1 set of FRS radios (less than one mile range)
1 set of basic hand tools
Generally a case of water, but sometimes less in the summer when it can go bad
1 jug anti freeze
1 quart oil
1 standard blue tarp
I would add to the car at least 3 more gas cans (probably tied to roof and filled at nearest station), some larger tools like a shovel, an empty bucket, some trash bags.
Next, I would add food and water. As many cases of water as doable.
For food, it would be empty the pantry of ready to eat foods like cans, heat and serve meals, protein bars, candy and so on.
Next would come the big ice chest with a layer of ice on the bottom. Milk, lunch meat, cheese and what not on top. That goes in the car too.
Each member of the family gets one soft sided duffle type suitcase. Put enough clothes and shoes for 3 to 5 days. Make sure there is extra underwear and socks.
Next comes the stuff bag. This hold toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and diapers.
Next comes the emergency bag. A shoulder bag with medical supplies and small backup foods like protein bars.
Next are guns. Shotgun goes on the front dashboard or in front of front seat passenger. Hand guns are worn by adults. All carry spare ammunition and more ammunition and long guns are stored in back.
The dog is going to have to find a way to ride in the back with the stuff or at the kids feet in the back.
Once everything is loaded, I will put the bike carrier on the rear hitch. It will hold four bikes. The bike trailer folds and is on the roof.
The first stop will be for gasoline if possible. If not, we ride on what is in the tank and the one full can (five gallons) in the garage now.
I keep maps and routes in the car already. I have no plans to stick to a major interstate or find myself blocked by FEMA troops directing me into a camp for my own "safety".
The key at this point is to have somewhere to go until thing blow over or a place to start over. That is where skills and supplies come in handy.
Think about the recent adaption of the movie 'War of the Worlds' with Tom Cruise. He left New Jersey for Boston. There is a brilliant move. Leave one big crowded place for another. Yes, they wandered through the country, but the plan was to get to a city where mom was.
The guy was caught with his proverbial pants down. You have to be ready for an emergency evacuation with supplies, a survival mindset and a plan. Otherwise, you end up running around the house looking for batteries and mustard.
I'm glad you mentioned having the right mindset as well as having the physical items you need.
ReplyDeleteJohn
http://www.destinysurvival.com
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ReplyDeleteGood suggestions--bicycles! Haven't seen that in other lists.
ReplyDeleteI would add: Money (cash, gold, silver, jewelry).
Good suggestions--I especially like the idea of having your bicycles, and I haven't seen that in other lists of evacuation plans.
ReplyDeleteI would add: financial records and money (cash and silver/gold/jewelry).