Press Release: (via cleanfax & RIA) COLUMBIA, MD — Residents forced to leave their homes and businesses due to flooding often have only a short period of time to pack up their belongings. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA, formerly ASCR) suggests that individuals keep these items in an emergency kit or gather them during an evacuation: Health & homeowners insurance policies, wills, passports Family photos & irreplaceable mementos, disposable camera, digital camera, video camera Digital inventory CD of house and printout of contents Paper & pen, address book, emergency phone numbers (family, hospital, physicians) Wallet, checkbook, credit cards and cash Canned goods, can opener, peanut butter, protein bars, bouillon cubes, M.R.E.s (meal, ready to eat) baby food Bottled water (1/2 gallon per person), water purification tablets Sharp knife, duct tape, electrical tape, small shovel, rope, work gloves, fix-a-flat for tires, tarps, dust masks, small toolbox, all-purpose tool Water proof matches, butane lighter, small fire extinguisher Transistor radio, batteries Candles, flashlights Pet food and supplies Toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine products, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, trash bags First aid kit, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, vitamins, general remedies (cold, flu, allergies, Chap Stick, antacids), glasses Clothing – long pants/shirts/gym clothes for sleeping/rain poncho, walking/working shoes, extra underwear and socks, jackets/sweaters Sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, folding chairs Laptop computer, cell phone, chargers and car chargers Medication and prescriptions Extra batteries Maps Irreplaceable jewelry Children’s games, deck of cards “While this list of is not all-inclusive, it provides a good starting point under very difficult circumstances,” said Rusty Amarante, CR and current RIA president. “RIA members know from experience how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.”
Just keeping a list like that available is important. Many years ago whilst living in the city i had to evacuate my home because of fire, in the confusion nothing was taken except ourselves. After we got out safely we kept saying we should have taken this and that. Luckily the fire was extinguished without loss just damage to the property. A few years ago where i now live in a rural setting, Bushfires raged through the area. The local bushfire brigade attended every premises to warn of possible evacuation. Having time to prepare, I gathered most of the items listed on the previous thread The important thing is, keep a copy of your insurance papers, deeds etc in a fire proof safe or a safety deposit box. Also keep a digital record of them as a back up. Even if you loose everything, eventually it can be in most cases replaced. Lives cant, so personal safety should always take priority. Mick
