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In case of evacuation take-with items:

  • Emergency Grab Bag of Documentation
  • All your medicines in their bottles. Keeping them together in one spot helps the grab and go. For those who put out the medication in a weekly container, grab that container, but also take your bottles
  • Computer and cables, flash drives of information
  • Battery chargers for phone, computer, cameras, and if applicable medical devices which require batteries such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.
  • A complete change of clothing, extra tops for layering, underwear, long pants and socks and sturdy shoes
  • If during the winter, take a warm coat, gloves, hat and scarves
  • If in summer, take battery operated small fans
  • Specific pillows, if needed
  • Any medical devices that are used—i.e. cane, wheelchair
  • Pets—if you have a pet, you will need to bring some food, snacks, leash, coat, medication if needed, etc., plus your pet. Your pet's medical information should be in your Emergency Grab Bag of Documentation kit
  • If you have children and time allows, take some books, toys, crayons, paper, puzzles and games to keep the children entertained, as well as their favorite stuffed animal
  • If you are in a shelter that has electricity, computer games or videos may be an option
  • If you live alone, make a plan with support folks and/or friends and make sure someone you trust has an extra key to your place. Put their name and number in your Emergency Grab Bag of Documentation kit as a contact
  • If you are a woman, then you know to grab your pocketbook, checkbook with checks and wallet
  • Heating pad, if necessary along with an extension cord assuming there is electricity where you are going
  • Any special foods you'll need
  • Cash
  • Identification such as a driver's license, medical insurance card, social security card, etc.

Although this looks like a long list, do a little at a time, and before you know it, it will be done. Start with the Emergency Grab Bag of Documentation, as that is probably the most important, next to your medications.

For additional generalized information, check out the following sources:

Information for how to deal with disasters and emergencies, as compiled by the CDC, Disaster Information for People With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities. 

A government website (sponsored by FEMA) offering a lot of valuable information for how to get ready for many weather-related emergencies such as Winter Weather survival