If you need to evacuate your home, and can evacuate by car, what would you take with you? The list is probably much longer than if you had to evacuate by foot. My first piece of advice, is to think about what you would take, prioritize that list, and WRITE IT DOWN. If you only have enough time to grab the first three items on the list, they are the most important. If you already own the planner, refer to the section on PREPARE TO EVACUATE. You can fill out the Grab & Go List and insert the other items necessary in the event of an evacuation. You will be one of the first ones on the road out of town and have a jump start on the rest of the city.

One of the most important items on your Grab & Go List will be WATER. It is great to have big barrels full of water, but obviously, they are not going anywhere. You need to plan to have water that is portable, that you can easily load into your car in the event you are required to leave immediately. Plan to take 5-gallons per person (1 gallon per person per day for FIVE days). A five-gallon container full of water weighs about 40 lbs. If you cannot lift 40 lbs. by yourself into your car, store your water in smaller containers.

I have two favorite containers. The first container is boxed water by Rocky Mountain Water Company. It is a bladder full of water with a spigot housed in a box with handles. It comes FULL of water (meaning you don't have to fill it yourself -- YEAH because that rarely happens!). Second, it has an indefinite shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place away from toxins and chemicals (what that really means is don't let it freeze or get wet and don't store it next to fuel or things like pesticides that you may keep in your garage). If you live in the Salt Lake Area, email me at tami@preparemylife.com and I will set up a delivery for you and even get you a discount. Delivery is FREE if you order 10 boxes. If you don't live in the Salt Lake Area, call some of the bottled water companies in your area and see if they offer something similar. If not, read the next paragraph.

Another portable water container that I love is the 5-gallon Aqua-Pak with a spigot. This one you do need to fill yourself. Add 1/2 teaspoon regular bleach (non-scented) and rotate every year. You can find this container on the Products page on our website, preparemylife.com. Portable water is critical. It's a great feeling to be prepared!