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Post by grammadee on May 4, 2016 2:18:03 GMT
An entire community of 80, 000 people have been told to evacuate Ft MacMurray in northern Alberta this evening. Some suspected the evacuation order earlier, and some communities were evacuated at intervals since Sunday evening, but the final evacuation order came at 6:20 this evening. Even one of the gathering places from an earlier evacuation order was evacuated. Main road south has been closed because of lack of visibility, so residents are heading north.
My question to you: provided of course you could get your kids, your pets and yourselves out, what else would you take? You have your own vehicle and less than an hour to pack. GO!
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Post by originalvanillabean on May 4, 2016 2:22:33 GMT
Computer tower only, or laptop Passport Birth certificate Phone charger
That's it.
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Post by chaosisapony on May 4, 2016 2:23:15 GMT
An hour to pack? That's a decent amount of time. I'd take clothes, toiletries, my laptop, desktop computer (contains all my client info), file folder of important documents, box of printed photos, and some food/water.
I often think back to the Valley Fire that was near me last year. Those poor people had 10 minutes notice to get themselves and anything they cared about out of the house. In many circumstances this meant that gates were simply left open and the animals were left to fend for themselves. Since that happened I've thought a lot about what my absolute must haves would be in a similar situation and tbh as long as myself, family and pets are with me then I'm cool with losing whatever else.
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M in Carolina
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Posts: 3,128
Jun 29, 2014 12:11:41 GMT
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Post by M in Carolina on May 4, 2016 2:24:51 GMT
Photos, my fire safe, jewellery, artwork, my favourite clothes.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,451
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on May 4, 2016 2:27:25 GMT
Meds, laptops and chargers, checkbook, change of clothes, phone chargers and my kindle. Maybe the last year's tax return and homeowners insurance papers.
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Post by myboysnme on May 4, 2016 2:32:13 GMT
I used to keep my photo albums where I could throw them out the window in a fire. That was before scrapping when my albums multiplied like rabbits. With an hour I would take important papers and sentimental irreplaceable items and small items, so a bit of jewelry, laptop and hard drive, my DVDs and videos of my kids which I hope will soon all be on DVD, and then any photos I can grab that aren't on a hard drive - heritage pics, baby pics of my kids, wedding pics, my childhood pics. I would have most of my car filled with photos.
I think I could cope with most of the other stuff being lost if I had to. But my irreplaceable photos and films, that's what I need to grab.
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Post by AussieMeg on May 4, 2016 2:42:39 GMT
Thank goodness DSO just bought a Hilux, we can fit so much more into that!
So, an hour hey? Plenty of time...... Computer tower, back up CDs, EHDs, photo albums, some clothes, camera, TVs, PS3, iPod dock, iPod & iPad, phones and chargers, handbag, some food.... still got about 40 minutes..... I reckon I could pack up my whole house in an hour!!
Now, if I only had 10 minutes. I would grab computer tower, EHD, photo albums, camera, phone, some clothes.
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Peamac
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Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on May 4, 2016 2:58:10 GMT
When we had to evacuate a few years ago, we had more than an hour to pack. We grabbed clothes and toiletries for a few days, electronics (computers, cameras, phones) and chargers, family photos, important papers (kept those in a separate box), bank book, monthly bills (in case we needed to contact any utility companies), and I told DD's they could grab a laundry basket of their favorite possessions.
Lying in bed late that night at a friend's house, wondering if our house would be ok, I realized I forgot our passports and our wedding photos. And I also realized I'd be sad to lose my teacup collection (from my mom and gramma). Also, I need to use the nice China more often. I finally fell asleep around 2:30am.
We had a minivan and pickup truck, so lots of room for our stuff- DH and two DD'S and me. I added the skis and boots right before we left since we had the space.
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Post by monklady123 on May 4, 2016 3:03:48 GMT
Well...where are we being evacuated to? Will there be food there? A place for pets? Is there a possibility that my house might not be standing when we got back? An hour is a long time, but also I'm sure it would seem short. I'd take: -- electronics and chargers -- pet food -- people food -- water -- dog harness and leashes -- photo albums -- passports -- my notebook where I have contact info, dog's vaccination records, insurance info, etc. -- some cozy blankets for whoever would be sleeping in the van with the dog because the shelter won't allow pets (yes I've thought of this possibility before, and I don't even live in an area where we're very likely to be evacuated for anything) -- sweaters, coats, sweatshirts (depending on the season) -- basic clothes -- a few sentimental things such as dd's stuffed bear who has been with her since she was a baby -- but of course she'd be packing that herself We'd still have time left over because everyone would be helping with that list -- I'd be the one running around giving orders -- "ds get the water from the basement" -- and "dd get the dog's dry food" -- etc. Dh would gather his stuff then he'd be outside packing the van because he's the expert on that. The rest of us would be handing him everything. Now I need to go google to find out why all these people are being evacuated in Alberta. I have had the TV on today but according to CNN there's been no news from anywhere in the world today, only news of Trump/Cruz/Clinton. ugh.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on May 4, 2016 3:10:20 GMT
First an hour isn't that long and you would be stressed to the max I am sure.
Even though we all think we would know what to grab I think in this situation you would be running around just grabbing stuff I know I would.
For me it would be Photos and family videos Laptop and phone My scrapbook albums If I had the room and time my scrappy stash and my Christmas decorations Kids memory boxes My jewelry Hubby would want his gun collection Antique dresser and dishes from great grandma and memory books other grandma made us all
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Post by scrapmaven on May 4, 2016 3:10:24 GMT
BTDT and it wasn't fun. After a major natural disaster many many years ago my apartment building was a gonner. We were given 2 hours to get out as much as we could that wasn't damaged. It was surreal. The only thing I cared about was that everyone in the building was safe. Beyond that you do want to rescue your stuff, but the shock is so overwhelming that it doesn't register in that moment.
Given that awful situation now, as a homeowner w/a family, I would take all important documents, laptops and any small sentimental valuables that I could.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on May 4, 2016 3:14:34 GMT
Well...where are we being evacuated to? Will there be food there? A place for pets? Is there a possibility that my house might not be standing when we got back? An hour is a long time, but also I'm sure it would seem short. I'd take: -- electronics and chargers -- pet food -- people food -- water -- dog harness and leashes -- photo albums -- passports -- my notebook where I have contact info, dog's vaccination records, insurance info, etc. -- some cozy blankets for whoever would be sleeping in the van with the dog because the shelter won't allow pets (yes I've thought of this possibility before, and I don't even live in an area where we're very likely to be evacuated for anything) -- sweaters, coats, sweatshirts (depending on the season) -- basic clothes -- a few sentimental things such as dd's stuffed bear who has been with her since she was a baby -- but of course she'd be packing that herself We'd still have time left over because everyone would be helping with that list -- I'd be the one running around giving orders -- "ds get the water from the basement" -- and "dd get the dog's dry food" -- etc. Dh would gather his stuff then he'd be outside packing the van because he's the expert on that. The rest of us would be handing him everything. Now I need to go google to find out why all these people are being evacuated in Alberta. I have had the TV on today but according to CNN there's been no news from anywhere in the world today, only news of Trump/Cruz/Clinton. ugh. It's a wild fire that has got out of control. We have had unseasonably high temps this spring in Alberta and lots of wind and little to no rain which is making this fire scary. It's the largest evacuation in Alberta' history. Fort McMurray is famous for the oil sands.
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Post by annabella on May 4, 2016 3:15:25 GMT
Photo albums
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Post by freecharlie on May 4, 2016 3:19:56 GMT
We have a travel safe full of our bc, ss cards, marriage license... so I would grab that photo albums and photos other sentimental items clothes if time kids would grab their xbox and playstation DH would grab his guns.
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Post by Really Red on May 4, 2016 3:38:52 GMT
OMG! How awful! Photo albums, computer, safe (it has all legal papers and isn't enormous), underwear (yes!) and any special mementos from relatives who have passed - anything I couldn't replace. I'd just gather the first stuff, then run from room to room making sure I had what was needed. Anything that is that special to me is out in the open where I can enjoy it, so it would be easy to spot.
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Post by bc2ca on May 4, 2016 3:44:08 GMT
We've been on evacuation standby before and since then I've made sure all the important papers are in one spot (passports, citizenship, birth certificates, insurance, bank, etc.). We had the following ready to go: - important papers
- prescriptions
- computers, ipads, phones & chargers
- clothes for 7 days
- quilts & pillows
- dog bed/bowls/food
- cooler filled with water and easy to eat food from the fridge (fresh fruit, cheese)
- sharp knife
- easy to eat food (nuts, energy bars, cereal, crackers)
With only an hour, I might just grab the first 3 items plus water and get on the road.
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Post by darkangel090260 on May 4, 2016 5:14:25 GMT
go bags, food box, medical bag. Laptop back up hard drive. Each persons binder ( back up copy should be there go bags)
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 28, 2024 22:18:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 5:34:46 GMT
The parrot , cats and dog. Underwear Clothes.
The parrot would be first in the car.
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Post by anniefb on May 4, 2016 6:05:19 GMT
I'd take:
Cat Essential documents Electronic devices and chargers Family photos Jewellery My flute Selection of clothes/shoes Selection of crafting stuff.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 28, 2024 22:18:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 6:12:15 GMT
My phone and charger. My computers/harddrives. Anything family photo/heirloom I could grab. Clothing, toiletries, and my pillow. My son's blanket and bedtime buddy stuffed animals. My bible.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 4, 2016 10:54:12 GMT
An hour is a decent amount of time if you know where your stuff is.
(Since we are assuming that all people and pets are able to get out safely....)
I'd grab all my pre-digital photos. They're all in one place together. I'd also grab the small firesafe that I keep cd backups of digital pics, and sd cards.
I'd grab the binder that I keep all the important info in. Social Security cards, birth certs, legal papers, immunization records. All in one place.
My camera.
My phone is always on me. I'd grab the charger.
My wallet. My purse. Any cash in the house.
The computer tower.
The box of my earrings. It's the only real (read: not costume) jewelry I have.
My dd's flute. My younger kids' favorite toys (a couple of stuffies, Xbox360, DSXL)
I'm pretty sure I still have at least a half hour left.
Twice in my life I've had to leave my residence. Once I had about a half hour notice. Once I had five minutes. In the end, as long as the people are out, nothing else matters. Both times I was able to return to the house eventually (once two days later. Once 7 months later). Neither time I knew if I ever would return to the place.
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Post by mlynn on May 4, 2016 11:10:03 GMT
Pets, pet food, leashes, bowls. Medications. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper. Cash, checks, credit cards. clothes...especially undergarments and socks, spare pair of shoes Pillows, blankets. Bible Scrapbooks, jewelry. Grandma's diaries
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sweetpeasmom
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Jun 27, 2014 14:04:01 GMT
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Post by sweetpeasmom on May 4, 2016 11:55:37 GMT
Any pictures that can't be replaced easily. My laptop and charger. That's all I can think of that I could grab in a rush. Of course I'd try to get any of the kids' things I've been saving but that would be if I had time.
ETA - Of course clothing and such. I was listing other things.
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grinningcat
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Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on May 4, 2016 12:29:59 GMT
I've been thinking about this all night, we have people in the area. They are safe, but terrified. The neighbourhood near their house is apparently 80% destroyed.
What would I take? Electronics (cameras, computers, ipads, drives. Thankfully this stuff is easy to pack) Pet stuff (food, litter, harnesses, crates. We have a dog, two cats, a lizard and fish. I guess we'd have to leave the fish) Tax information and other important documents Photos and albums Mementos like our wedding stuff, my grandmother's cookbooks, etc. The medicine and first aid boxes
Then once that is packed I would do a once over the house and grab whatever little things caught my attention.
I'd probably go grab our tent and some of the camping gear and then we could set up a "home" for ourselves since we have a zoo and I wouldn't want to impose all of the animals on anyone.
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iluvpink
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Posts: 4,370
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Jul 13, 2014 12:40:31 GMT
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Post by iluvpink on May 4, 2016 12:33:43 GMT
Ack. Gulp. Living in suburban/rural MI this isn't something that I've much thought about.
Medications Medical supplies for dd Birth Certificate/Marriage License/SS cards/ID's/Medical records/Insurance forms/other paperwork Cash, Credit/Debit Cards Clothing Photographs/photo albums/scrapbooks Dog food, dog leash, dog records
Those are the top things. I guess it would depend on why we were evacuating, where we were going, how long etc. Would our house etc be in danger (fire/flood or is this a chemical spill etc).
ETA phones, that's a given whenever we leave the house but add in laptops and Nooks.
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Post by anxiousmom on May 4, 2016 13:21:19 GMT
One thing about living in one hurricane zone or another has taught me is that you should have all the major stuff in one place and easy to grab.
If I assume that pets and whatnot are not included in the hour, grabbing the important 'box o stuff' would take about 30 seconds. After that would packing clothes and toiletries and sentimental items as I went. There is a lot that I would hate, absolutely hate, to lose, but with an hour to throw stuff together and a Suburban, I have a lot of room to work with.
Photos would be a big one for sure. Jewelry another. I have an easy to move around sewing projects box so that for sure. Laptop. I would grab a laundry basket and walk through the house to grab sentimental items that didn't make the first cut-like the boy's first place half-marathon medal, a yellowware bowl from my grandmother, art work, first edition books that I inherited and mean a lot to me...you know the random things that aren't really important in a get through an emergency kind of way, but are part of the fabric of your family.
***recommendation: IF the situation ever comes down to it, in your emergency papers, have a map of the standard evacuation routes for your area. In many cases, the emergency agencies in your area have already made plans for that route so that traffic moves at a good pace. They will make it so that there are no red lights, open opposing direction roads to opposite way traffic, close exits, etc. Knowing these routes ahead of time is very helpful.
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Post by penny on May 4, 2016 14:30:14 GMT
I'd like to prepare a mental list of stuff in case I'm ever in that situation, but realistically an hour might just be enough to grab the cat and stuff her in the carrier... Maybe...
I supposed I'd also have whatever she was desperately clinging to when I did finally catch her... So my answer is my cat, and one object of her choosing...
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peaname
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Aug 16, 2014 23:15:53 GMT
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Post by peaname on May 4, 2016 14:37:43 GMT
Box of pictures, boys' baby books, safe, prescription drugs, phones, tablets, chargers, bag of dog food, leashes, and snacks.
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Post by dewryce on May 4, 2016 18:02:12 GMT
I know one hour seems like a lot of time but I know it would be difficult to think in such a panic. A written list by room (2 so DH and I could split it) would go a long way in helping us make good use of our time. Also, we own at least 8 good quality laundry baskets that we don't use for laundry and 2 SUVs so they would come in handy. Most likely I would load them and he would carry to the cars.
All of our family is within .5 to 5 hours so unless I had time or the threat of not being able to reach them was present I wouldn't be packing food, blankets, etc. I would go for our most loved items that couldn't be replaced.
* Box from son who was born too soon * The bear with his heartbeat * Ceramic Pluto DH's mom made for him as a child * Photos, negatives, SD cards and albums * Box of each of our momentous from childhood on up. If it is not in an album is is in these boxes so that would be easy * My Granma's silver * Blanket my DH's aunt crocheted for us before she passed * His Granma's old hard hat * Items we are saving for our child (our childhood books, cabbage patch, etc) also together * Wedding souvenirs, just a couple things we saved that are important to us in china cabinet * DHs big race momentos and those from his Grandpa * His most importent autographed items * His Grandma's small secretary is probably the only piece of furniture we would take * Some jewelry including that passed on and my charm bracelets. I don't have much so prob easier to dump all of it in ziplock * Box of sentimental Christmas ornaments * Box of DH's grandparents stockings and Christmas Village * Box of our Christmas Village that we often add to together during our Christmas time anniversary
That's all off the top of my head. Now if all that were done and we had more time, which is theoretically possible as the house is well organized and most things are displayed or stored together already, then I would add things that were important, practical and hard to replace immediately
Have DH film house and belongings for insurance purposes if it hasn't been done recently while I gather the following:
* Medication * Electronics (laptop, iPad, phones and chargers) * CPAP machines * Envelope of important documents (titles birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies) * Current financial folder * Past paid bills and credit documentation folder * Tax folders!
And then I would go for practical items for next few days before start replacement shopping and comfort for trip * Clothes * Toiletries (always packed and ready to go) * Pillows and blankets for car (if winter) * Bottled water * Snacks
Eta: We don't have children or pets at this point so that makes a huge difference! And I remembered some holiday items we'd want to keep and tax folders.
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Post by dewryce on May 4, 2016 18:29:42 GMT
I just looked this up on CNN, that is terrifying, those poor people.
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