When it comes time to leave, make sure you have the following:

• Car and house keys
• The bug out or emergency supplies kits— personal and family size
• A first aid kit
• Radio, flashlight and batteries for both
• Map of the local area
• List of shelters – pet friendly or not
• Extra bottled water
• Extra clothing and bedding
• Any special needs items for children and/ or the elderly
• The pets with their kits including carrier, food and water
• A signal to call for help
• Your cell phone and its charger
• Any personal sanitation and hygiene materials
• Cash and coins
• Descriptions of each member of the family
• Medical conditions of each member
• Contact numbers for vets, family physician and specialists
• Originals and copies of personal identity documents (mainly, your driver’s license). You will need these to claim government fire benefits at shelters as well as to access health services in a crisis.
• Insurance paperwork. You want to be first in line to get benefits if anything happens, and that’s a lot easier when you have your documents.
• Bank account numbers, documents, etc.
• Contact numbers