VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 1: January 13, 2025

Author

mikala
January 13, 2025

👋🏽 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.

This Is Fine GIF

Giphy - How I felt at times last week because this is such a surreal experience

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

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:

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

If this was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading this issue of the newsletter, hit the subscribe button above. And to all the subscribers I have already, grateful for you and thanks for subscribing!