DISASTERS

Family Evacuate

Unlike a house fire with moments to escape, an evacuation may give minutes, hours, or even days of warning. Deciding ahead of time which items, in which order, will be taken is critical — transportation and destinations stay flexible.

Don't wait to write the list

Where a Home Fire Escape Plan means shoes, phone, wallet and keys, an evacuation Bug-Out List itemizes everything you'd want if you might not get back home. Build it now — when you need it, it's too late to start writing. - Grandpa TJ -

Build your family's Bug-Out List

Evacuation is a series of trade-offs. Sheltering-in-place is often better when you can — but when you must leave, prioritize by time and transport.

What a Bug-Out List looks like

Over the years many Bug-Out List methods had major flaws: every family member has their own list (what if they aren't there?), room-by-room grabs (easy to miss Grandpa's meds), or pretend you're camping (misses evacuation essentials).

The Time-Sensitive Bug-Out List

One shared list everyone works from, ordered by importance to the family's wellbeing. Stage items inside the house — don't pack the car until you know you must leave. With 30 minutes and 4 people you might get 100 items; with 10 minutes, maybe 30–40 — but they are the best choices for the time you had.

Basic Needs — cold outside in PJs

Don't miss the basics. Walk through each person's morning routine: clothes, wallet, keys, EDC, weather jackets, meds (grandpa's insulin), and sturdy hiking shoes — not flip-flops or dress shoes if you may hike.

Locate Supplies

Emergency Shelter

Account for the survival triangle (Shelter, Water, Food). Don't expect hotel rooms. At least have emergency shelters like a Survival Bivy per person. Camping gear helps you stay away from unprepared refugees. Leave bulky camp luxury items behind.

Locate Supplies

Emergency Supplies — water and food

Food and water for family and pets. Priority is water: ready-to-drink plus filtering systems. Mix ready-to-eat snacks, canned goods, and dehydrated food.

Locate Supplies

Beyond the Basics

Address medical and financial health: first aid kits, prescribed medicines, important papers (deeds, marriage certificates, passports) and computer backup drives.

First aid kits

Sentimental Items

If you have time, go down to sentimental memory items like photo albums, jewelry and artwork.

Morale Boosters

Include entertainment for everyone — a book, playing cards or a board game can be an invaluable distraction for you and the kids.

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