In some instances, there are circumstances that catch us off guard due to the event of a natural disaster or even human-made catastrophes. Once you hear a mandatory evacuation from the authorities broadcasted on your local news media, you need to consider thinking of what items you should take with you when evacuating. Remember that before authorities declare a mandatory evacuation, they will be giving signals to the citizens first so that they will be informed.
During that moment, take time to prepare yourself with the items you can carry so that when the declaration of mandatory evacuation occurs, the things you bring will help you survive the phenomena.
People at any time should think about the possible things to carry upon evacuating their homes. However, it’s sad to say that during emergency cases, some people fail to follow the 5-minute evacuation list of items they should bring. This article will guide you to the possible things you may want to  carry most especially what is the one thing you need to take with you if you have to evacuate your home.
The following are the essential and irreplaceable items you need to take with you if you ever you find yourself in the middle of an emergency evacuation.
1. Shortwave Radio
Bring a radio transmission that uses shortwave radio frequencies. Above all the items you need to take, this is one of the most important because in many cases, it will help you the most. During major emergencies and disasters, this will serve as your one-way communication tool to know what is happening within your area and other places around you. If you know what is happening towards other areas, you can discern if their site is safe for evacuation.
In greater chance, you can avoid going to areas which are too risky and dangerous. It only means that shopping the best shortwave radio before something will happen is essential. Consider the features that the brand company could offer so that you can maximize its utilization during crises.
2. Cash, IDs, And Important Documents
In most situations, people fail to bring these critical papers because, during a crisis, most obvious everyday items can be quickly forgotten. If there is a crisis, it is a good idea to have enough money on hand to buy gas, food, medicine, and place for you to stay. Take this into account during and after a crisis, the inflation will likely rise, and demand for necessity will also increase, so price overcharging will most likely follow. Money on cards might not be suitable at this time because you cannot immediately purchase any items if the electricity is out.
Aside from that, bring your identification cards for security purposes and essential keys. Have these documents to take in an evacuation on a waterproof case or plastic bag because these are priceless. Your driver’s license, checkbook, credit cards, proof of insurance, medical records, passports, the deed to your house or house title social security cards, and a list of personal contacts.
3. Essential Supplies: Water, Food, And First-Aid Kit
Before you take off, bring foods that are throat-friendly. Do not bring raw foods that need to be cooked. You should carry ready-to-eat food. If you have crackers, bring those so that it can be an alternative to your hunger. Together with foods, also bring water. As much as possible, it should only be pure water, not juice or soda. And lastly, the first-aid kit that contains medicine and other medical supplies which are commonly and primarily needed for your hygiene and health.
4. Clothes, Comfort Items And Electronics With Chargers
The more clothes and blankets you bring, the better. If you cannot carry these items because of their weight, take at least a few pairs of clothes. Also, if you have power banks, bring it with you. Your phones and the chargers should also be included. All electronics that can be carried is always a plus.
5. Things That Are Irreplaceable
These are non-essential items but irreplaceable. For instance, photo albums of special people in your life, family heirlooms, or keepsakes are just a few items you should grab. You need to let go of the things that are not truly needed.
If there will be a moment that you need to abandon your house, the situation might not give you enough time to gather your essential belongings. So the best thing you could do is  get yourself ready with the primary items you need to carry upon evacuating.
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
