Evacuation Go Go!
Picture this: it’s the middle of the night. The power is out. It’s pitch-black and cold. You are sick with the flu, and there is pounding at your door. The firefighter says, “evacuate now…you have sixty seconds.”
What do you do? It happened to us, and because I was partially prepared for an emergency, my husband and I were in our car in less than a minute. Mistakes were made; lessons were learned.
Global warming is resulting in more frequent and devastating climate disasters. The best protection is to make a plan and practice being ready. Pack a Go Bag for each family member, which can be a backpack, duffel, roller bag, or suitcase. Prepare pet packs. Know exactly where important basics are located so you can seize them in seconds. Keep a small emergency kit in every car, and the family Go Bags in a closet closest to the cars. Leave with only one vehicle. Evacuations can last hours, days, or longer.
PREPARATION PREREQUISITES
Sign up for emergency notifications at https://www.nixle.com
Have headlamps available.
Learn how to open automatic gates and garages manually.
Create a flash drive with updated copies of passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, insurance documents, important papers, and contacts to keep in your Go Bag.
Store mementos, heirlooms, picture books, or irreplaceable items near your Go Bag or in an area where they are quickly retrievable.
Make signs that say EVACUATED and NEED HELP. Keep these with your Go Bag,with a roll of tape to add to your door.
Know your neighbors.
Practice evacuation routes and know where to go.
GO BAG ESSENTIALS
First Aid kit
Flashlight with extra batteries
Portable Emergency Radio
Duplicate chargers for phones, tablets, and computers
Flash Drive with important document copies
Work gloves
Warm gloves
Towelettes
Towel
Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
Blanket
Walking shoes
Socks
Warm jacket
Peanut butter
Honey
Protein Bars
Personal hygiene kit including soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste
Medications
Matches
Candle
Eating utensils and plates
Breathing masks (NIOSH N95)
Clothing change
Sunglasses
Reading Glasses
Extra set of keys to home, office, etc.
Cash
Toilet Paper
LAST MINUTE NECESSITIES TO GRAB
Computer or tablet with cables
Backup drives
Cell Phone
Wallet
Purse
Glasses
Keys
Pets
Natural disasters know no boundaries. When a first responder instructs you to evacuate, listen and obey.
What were the lessons learned in our emergency? Because of the power outage, my husband couldn’t find his wallet, keys, phone, glasses, or tablet in the darkness. He escaped without them. I ran out the door barefoot. Fortunately, my gardening clogs were stashed under a bench on the front steps, saving my feet!
Be prepared for anything. Wear shoes. Stay calm, and go, go, go!
©2026 Cynthia Brian
Through a remarkable range of writing and broadcasting, coaching, speaking, and advocacy to increase literacy and personal empowerment, Cynthia Brian helps people discover possibilities, develop their gifts, and engage more meaningfully with the world around them. From gardening and nature to personal development, acting, positive living, and bestselling books penned for children and families, her catalog reflects the same larger purpose that appears throughout her career: connecting, collaborating, and creating community for a wide, diverse audience. This is the power of STARSTYLE®
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