Evacuations happen fast. Whether fleeing wildfire, flood, hurricane, or other threats, you may have minutes rather than hours to leave. Having a checklist prepared and items pre-staged means the difference between orderly departure and panicked scrambling.
The best evacuation is one where everything essential is already packed in go-bags, documents are organized, and you simply grab bags and leave. This checklist covers both the ideal prepared state and what to do if evacuation catches you less ready.
Immediate Grab List (Under 5 Minutes)
If you have only minutes, grab these items and go. Everything else can be replaced.
- Go-bag (pre-packed emergency bag)
- Wallet with ID and cards
- Phone and charger
- Car keys
- Prescription medications
- Glasses or contacts
- Pets (in carriers if possible)
- Important documents folder (if pre-staged)
Essential Documents
Keep these in a waterproof container or folder, ready to grab:
- Photo ID for all family members
- Passport(s)
- Insurance policies (home, auto, health, life)
- Property deed or lease
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards or equivalent
- Medical records and prescriptions list
- Bank account information
- Emergency contact list
- Pet vaccination records
- Recent photos of family members
Go-Bag Contents
Pre-pack bags with these essentials for each family member:
- Water (1 gallon per person or water bottles)
- Non-perishable food for 3 days
- Change of clothes including sturdy shoes
- Weather-appropriate outerwear
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Cash in small bills
- Copies of important documents
- Medications for 1 week
- Comfort items for children
- N95 masks
- Emergency blanket
Pet Evacuation Items
- Pet carrier or leash
- Pet food for 3 to 5 days
- Water bowl
- Medications
- Vaccination records
- Recent photo of pet
- Favorite toy or blanket
- Litter and box for cats
- Waste bags for dogs
Before You Leave (If Time Permits)
If you have 15 to 30 minutes before departure:
- Turn off gas at the meter (if instructed)
- Turn off water at main
- Unplug major appliances
- Lock all windows and doors
- Move valuables away from windows to interior rooms
- Close interior doors
- Leave exterior lights on
- Take photos/video of home contents for insurance
- Leave a note with your destination if helpful for others
- Inform a neighbor or emergency contact of your plans
Vehicle Preparation
- Full tank of gas
- Vehicle emergency kit
- Phone charger for car
- Paper maps (phone may lose signal)
- Emergency contact list
- Jumper cables
- Basic tools
- Blankets
- Water and snacks
Final Steps
- Know your evacuation route (have alternatives)
- Know your destination (shelter, hotel, or host)
- Text family/friends your route and destination
- Follow official evacuation routes
- Listen to emergency broadcasts
- Do not return until authorities say it is safe
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have no time to grab anything?
Your life is more important than any possession. If you must leave immediately, take yourself, your family, and pets. Everything else can be replaced.
Should I wait to see if the threat gets worse?
No. If authorities order evacuation, leave immediately. Conditions can deteriorate faster than expected. Late evacuation is dangerous.
Where should I go?
Know options before emergencies: designated shelters, friends or family outside the area, or hotels. Have addresses and routes ready. Confirm shelters accept pets if needed.
What about items I cannot replace?
Identify irreplaceable items now and store them where you can grab quickly: family photos, heirlooms, important documents. Consider digitizing photos and documents as backup.
How do I stay informed during evacuation?
Battery radio for emergency broadcasts, phone for alerts, and checking into shelters or letting contacts know your location. Keep phone charged.
Disclaimer: This checklist provides general guidance. Always follow official evacuation orders and instructions from local authorities.