👋🏽 Hello There
I’ve re-written this part of the newsletter in my head plenty of times and by the time you read this I’ve changed it more than a few. A week ago, I was excited to share more finds with everyone. And then a couple days later, I found myself debating whether or not I wanted or should send out a newsletter today. Sometime last week between the start of the fires in Los Angeles County and that next evening after doom scrolling on TikTok and obsessively checking Watch Duty, I realized what this issue should be about.
The world we live in regardless of location around the world has us in a position where we need to potentially leave everything we know at a moments notice. With that said, I want to make this issue dedicated to preparing yourself, family, or friends for an emergency evacuation.
And you can say to me, oh that won’t happen to me. Well, I thought the same thing about being in LA (to a certain extent) and now neighborhoods (correction on Jan. 13th 2025 at 8:50AM - changed cities to neighborhoods) are gone and many people have lost their homes, lives, jobs and possessions that can never be replaced at a scale unimaginable.
Please forward this to anyone you think it might be helpful to no matter where they are in the world. Whether it’s a refresh, or starting the journey of being prepared for an emergency evacuation. It’s better to be prepared because no matter who you are, your mind goes blank and so many emotions flood in at once when you’re put in those types of situations.
For those in Los Angeles County, click the following links for resources/donations being accepted and volunteer opportunities — dated and time stamped for accuracy. I also want to take time to highlight some charities that you can monetarily donate to if you aren’t in Los Angeles County:
I’ll send out the issue that was supposed to be today’s sometime soon. And to all the people reading from Los Angeles, stay safe and wear a mask**!! ❤
**AQI score only measures the six major pollutants so what the air quality actually is right now could potentially be different than the measurements on various sites and apps.
IN THE ‘MEWD’ FOR..
BEING PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION
What’s an ‘important’ document? Any official record that provides information or evidence about your identity or personal information
Legal Identification Documents: social security cards, birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage certificates, and passports
Tax Documents: tax returns, W-2s, 1099 and other tax related forms, receipts and records
Property Records: vehicle registration and titles, mortgage statements, deeds, insurance polices, and bills of sale
Estate Planning Documents: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Life Insurance Policies, Burial instructions
Finance Records: bank account details, retirement or pension plan records, investment statements
Healthcare Documents: health insurance card, special health documentation ie allergies and immunization records and a healthcare proxy
BUILD A ‘GO’ BAG
This red bag looks small but can fit so much within it! It is my emergency kit from Ready America
You can use an emergency kit as a base and then fill it with additional items (if necessary) when you don’t want to build your ‘Go’ bag from scratch:
Three day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
Physical Map with at least two evacuation routes (where possible)
Physical list of emergency contact names, addresses and phone numbers
Water Bottles
Menstrual Supplies
Two days of clothing (including pjs undergarments, socks etc.)
First Aid Kit (pocket or full) and sanitation supplies
A Comfort Item ie stuffed animal or small toy for children
Batteries and Additional Chargers
Candles
Flashlight (waterproof)
Fire Resistant Gloves
Midland Weather Service Radio
N95 and Regular Medical Face Masks
Latex Gloves
Lighter and Matches
Permanent Marker
Light Sticks
Wet Wipes
Thermal Blankets
Portable Solar or Hand Powered Power Source
Things to Note
Store your ‘Go’ bag in a place that is easily accessible to everyone in the home
Research what disasters are most probable in your area to best prepare for them. The best supplies are not always the same for every type of emergency
When in evacuating in an emergency situation, remember it’s ideal for you to only pack as much as you can carry physically in case you have to abandon your vehicle and/or walk/run on foot. In certain situations where there is more flexibility then you could potentially can adjust this guidance
‘GO’ BAG - For Pets
Medications
At least three days of food (wet food is best for hydration)
Leash
ID collar
Bowls
Foot Protection
Carrier for small pets
Vaccination and medical records, proof of ownership, a current photo, contact information for the pet’s veterinarian
Waste Disposal Bags or Litter Box and Litter
Pet First Aid Kit
Toys and Treats
READING
Ramsey Solutions - Organizing your important documents
Flash.org - Prepare Your Home (based on location, prepare your home for natural disasters)
Here are some helpful guides in regards to dealing with your insurance claims:
r/losangeles - How Did You Get a Full Insurance Payout After a Fire
Advice on What to Do After a Natural Disaster (US based so could vary based on country)
HOME
Clipart found via Google Images
Items to Have in Your Home:
Personal Fire Extinguisher
Air Purifier
Water Purifier
Generator
First Aid Kit
Family Disaster Plan
Emergency Kit for Disasters (an at home version incase you are stuck in your home and cannot evacuate)
Song for Volume III - Issue 1: Bad Bunny - DtMF
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