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| LIFE IN SOLERA | JULY 2024 | 9 In this article, the Accidental Prepper will discuss how to build your evacuation kit. We'll also include other disaster preparedness tips. Some disasters strike without warning. Earthquakes, sudden severe thunderstorms, f looding and high winds can affect the area we live in. Throw in the occasional brush fire and one can see why we all need to be prepared. Have you thought about how you will be able to handle a mandatory evacuation? Do you have a place to stay when ordered to evacuate? Do you have an emergency evacuation kit packed and ready to go? The emergency evacuation kit commonly known as a "Go" bag is an essential part of your disaster planning. Regardless whether you evacuate to a shelter, hotel or to a family/friends' home, you're going to need some supplies pre-packed and ready to go at a moment's notice when ordered to evacuate. Even those residents who own recreational vehicles need to be prepared. The Accidental Prepper recommends using a small lightweight carry-on piece of luggage with a long handle and wheels. Carry- on luggage is very affordable. For outstanding deals on luggage, check out local garage sales and thrift stores. Local stores such as Target and Walmart sell lightweight luggage as does Amazon. Forget the commercially prepared backpacks. These are too heavy and expensive for most people. We recommend one carry-on piece of luggage for every member of the household. Your evacuation kit should include the following: Three to five changes of clothing Hygiene supplies Two weeks of medications Flashlight and solar lights Battery powered radio Cell phone with charger First aid kit Cash, about $500 in small bills Disinfectant wipes Face masks Paper and pens A favorite book Emergency foil type blankets Multipurpose tool Work gloves Scissors Small laptop computer Battery bank (solar and electric to recharge cell phone) Back-up batteries for medical devices A small solar powered generator such as Jackery or Goal Zero to be carried separate of your evacuation kit. Make sure it has enough rated wattage to power your medical device(s) and is fully charged. Important papers to include are copies of property tax, bank and mortgage statements. Also include copies of birth certificates, utility bills and homeowners insurance policies. All of these documents will help you to file a claim with local, state and federal authorities in the event your house is damaged. Property tax records show the assessment number, bill number and homeowner name. Property tax records are a vital piece of information to have in your important papers packet. For many of us, our pets are our life. Usually, a small book bag is sufficient to carry a week's worth of pet food. Pack a small toy or two and pack your pets' veterinary records. Pack your pet's food and water dishes and some treats. When ordered to evacuate, bring a case of water with you from your home emergency cache and place it in your vehicle as well as three-day's worth of non-perishable food. If space is available in your vehicle, pack a small cooler. Remember, you only have a few minutes to evacuate so be prepared. Remember to help out your neighbors who have difficulty helping themselves. Be safe and be prepared. ~ Ron Monroe, CERT Cadre Member The Accidental Prepper Part 2: Building Your Evacuation Kit