Wildfire evacuation: What to take?

Two wildfires in California are spreading today (Oct. 27), fanned by high winds overnight, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.

If you are forced to evacuate, here is a list of what to take, culled from a III article on evacuation planning:

Prescriptions and other medicines First aid kit Bottled water Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries Clothing and bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) Special equipment for infants or elderly or disabled family members “Comfort items,” such as special toys for children Computer hard drive and laptop Cherished photographs Pet food and other items for pets (litter boxes, leashes)

From the same article, here is a list of key documents:

Prescriptions Birth and marriage certificates Passports Drivers license or personal identification Social Security cards Insurance policies — homeowners, auto, life and any others Recent tax returns Employment information Wills and deeds Stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates Financial information such as bank, savings and retirement account numbers and recent tax returns Home inventory

Unfortunately, though, if you are told to evacuate it will be too late to search the house for all this stuff. When authorities tell you to leave you must leave immediately. The fire could be on you in moments.