A couple of weeks ago, there were huge fires here in Orange County that caused many people to evacuate – including our team here at Wearable Imaging. With only 15 minutes to pack up and leave, we just grabbed what we thought we’d need and hoped for the best. Thankfully, our home and offices weren’t damaged, but it put the spotlight on just how unprepared we were for such an event. We now know what we need to do to be ready for the next time and want to share some important information with you.
Create a Grab and Go Kit. When you have to evacuate, you don’t want to be thinking about what clothes or food to bring, so make sure you have a bag already packed for emergencies. Include a change of clothes, rubber-soled shoes, medications, a first aid kit, and water and food for at least 3 days.
Important Papers. Keep copies of your most important papers secured in a plastic, waterproof case. These documents will help prove your identity, and ownership of your house, your car, etc. Here are the documents that you should keep safe:
Build an Emergency Kit. You will need a few additional essentials as you leave in an emergency, including:
Keep Pets Safe. Make sure that your pets are microchipped in case you get separated and they have ID collars. Pack a bag for them that includes leashes, any medications, bowls and food and water for 3 days.
Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts. Most cities and counties now have apps or systems that will text your cell phone to alert you to emergencies. These will help immensely, especially when an evacuation is imminent.
When you have to leave, there are important steps to take around your home, including keeping your windows unlocked, moving any flammable materials or furniture away from windows to the center of a room and leaving your lights on so firefighters can see through the smoke, and turning off the gas at the meter.
Outside your home, make sure you gather flammable items and place them inside your home, turn off and move propane tanks away from structures and check on your neighbors to make sure they are preparing to leave.
A few last tips that my friends quickly were texting to me that we very helpful!
Above all, stay safe and be prepared you just never know when something will happen!!
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