As wildfires threaten the West Coast, hurricanes loom in the East and blackouts are on the rise across major urban cities, Americans are packing up and preparing to head out the door.

But, what should be included in an evacuation packing list, specifically what to pack for a fire evacuation – during the COVID-19 pandemic?

10 items for your evacuation packing list

Regardless of the cause of the evacuation, having to abandon your home quickly means you won’t have enough time to gather necessary items. Instead, you’ll want to have a bag that’s waiting for you in your car trunk or sitting by the door you’re likely to exit.

Consider the following 10 items when creating an evacuation packing list, or deciding what to pack for a fire evacuation:

  1. Important papers. Copies of important papers and cards such as your driver’s license, passport, insurance cards (health, home and auto), legal certifications like birth certificates, social security cards, vehicle registration, etc. are critical items to include in your evacuation packing list. Remember credit or debit cards and your check book. Keep them in a plastic waterproof bag or case.
  2. Medications. Have a spare supply of medications, home-use medical devices and a list of any important medical information or prescriptions in the bag. Think about your eye care, including glasses or contacts and solution. Every evacuation packing list should include a small first aid kit with band-aids and alcohol swabs or anything else for treating injuries.
  3. COVID-19 must-haves. Evacuation packing lists look different during a global pandemic. Two masks or face coverings and sanitation supplies, including hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, are a must.
  4. Food and water. Count on three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
  5. Clothing and hygiene items. Pack a change of clothes for up to a week and any necessary personal hygiene items. Think: deodorant, mouthwash, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.
  6. Kid stuff. Infant supplies, including formula or milk, bottles, baby food, diapers and wipes. Simple travel games and music will keep kids occupied in the event of an emergency.
  7. Emergency needs. When thinking about what to pack for a fire evacuation, consider including a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, cell phone chargers and cash in the event that banks, or ATMs are not available.
  8. Valuables. If you can, grab valuables like jewelry, family photos, laptops or other valuable items. Ideally, you’ll want to make sure all your digital files are backed up to the cloud so that if you are unable to grab photos or your computer, you’ll be able to access them post-disaster.
  9. Pet needs. Remember to pack a leash, disposable bags or kitty litter, food, water, medications and a travel crate or cage to bring your furry friends along.
  10. Bag or container. Try to find a bag on wheels or a container with handles to make transporting these items of various size and weight easier.

Most importantly, remember to lock your home up on the way out, as unfortunately looters and thieves are known to take advantage of evacuation situations.

Contact your HUB Personal Lines expert for more information on safeguarding your valuables and home during an emergency evacuation.