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The smell of smoke, the lack of rain, and the outbreak of multiple wildfires in our region this summer makes the possibility of an evacuation more real.
Part of an evacuation plan is having a Go Bag or Tote for each member of your family, including pets.
A Go-Bag or Tote should contain a three-day supply of items you would need in the event you had to evacuate your home. These bags are prepared in advance, before an emergency, and are kept in an easily accessible place.
When creating your Go-Bag or Tote here are a few suggestions of essentials items to include:
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Insurance Documents • Inventory of home contents (consider making a video inventory now, prior to an emergency)
• Photographs of the exterior of the house and landscape • Computer and charger
• Cell phone and charger
• Address book
• Medications
• Prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lens and solutions
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Water and non-perishable food
• Personal toiletries
• Enough clothing for three to five days
• Flashlight and batteries
• First-Aid kit
• Pet necessities Additional items may include • Hand sanitizer/wipes
• Books and magazines
• Trash bags
• Rain wear
• Blankets
• Laundry detergent
• Rubber gloves What other items would you add to your Go Bag? Potentially, small family heirlooms or photos?
Remember, your biggest defense in evacuating safely is to have a plan. Be ready to go, leave early, stay calm, and follow the directions of emergency personnel.
Sign up for your County’s Emergency Notification system: Register For St. Louis County Emergency notifications at Northlandalert.com: h t t p s : / / m e m b e r . e v e r b r i d g e . net/453003085616005/login Register for Lake County Emergency notification systems: h t t p s : / / m e m b e r . e v e r b r i d g e . net/453003085619442/login Content provided by Gloria Erickson, St. Louis County Firewise Coordinator. Contact information: [email protected] or 218-365-0878.
Check out the new Minnesota Arrowhead Fire Adapted Communities website at https://minnesotafac.org.
This site offers wildland fire resilience resources to landowners, communities, and land managers. It also includes an evacuation checklist and things to do on your property or home before evacuation.
How to make a family evacuation plan
Making a plan is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your family for wildfire. Whether your kids are home from school, your spouse is teleworking, or family members are social distancing, you can use this time inside to gather and discuss a wildfire evacuation plan.
Step 1: Explain the Risks of Wildfire
If you are located in an area that is vulnerable to wildfire. It’s important to explain wildfire risks to family members, including small children, and ensure they understand the importance of being prepared.
Step 2: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Next, make sure everyone in your family is signed up to receive emergency alert notifications to their cell phone. Lake County and St. Louis County each have their own “opt-in” system.
Register For St. Louis County Emergency notifications at Northlandalert.com:
https://member.everbridge.net/453003085616005/login
Register for Lake County Emergency notification systems:
https://member.everbridge.net/453003085619442/login
Step 3: Become Familiar with the Neighborhood
Establish and practice exit routes out of your home and neighborhood. Evacuation routes may vary depending on the location of the fire, so familiarity is crucial for making on-the-fly decisions.
Step 4: Create a Written Plan
Once everyone understands the risks, has signed up for emergency alerts, and is familiar with the neighborhood, write down a family plan.
Be sure to include:
• A designated meeting point outside of the hazard area
• An out-of-town friend or relative to serve as a point of contact for the family
• How to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home
• How to assist seniors and disabled members of your family
• A plan for pets and large animals
