What Do I Put in a Wildfire Evacuation Bag?
Wildfires are one of the most destructive and dangerous natural disasters commonly occurring in California. Despite this, many residents assumed wildfire was unlikely to impact their own lives, especially in the city. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people have discovered that wildfires happen anywhere, and their destruction is far-reaching, thanks to the Los Angeles wildfires. Now, many California residents are putting safety first and creating their first evacuation bag, as well as finding the right wildfire attorney, but how do you know what to take with you in an emergency?
Survival Items
The most obvious place to start when packing an evacuation bag is with survival items. As any wildfire attorney would tell you, your life and safety are more important than anything else. Food and water for your family is a must-pack. In addition, be sure to pack clothing for a couple days, medications, medical devices, and any other necessary items that you or your loved ones need to remain healthy.
Technology
Technology is so ingrained in our lives that it’s important to consider their use in an emergency evacuation. Laptops and chargers are excellent options to pack, but if you don’t have time, your smartphone and phone charger can help you stay in communication with your loved ones and help you find resources when you need them.
Documents
Vital documents are extremely important additions to your evacuation bag during wildfire. Not only are these documents necessary for accessing certain services or providing records, but they also can be difficult to replace if destroyed during a wildfire in California.
Sentimental Items
If time permits, packing sentimental items can help keep your family’s morale high during a stressful time. You may choose to include family photos, heirlooms, or baby items. For children, consider packing entertainment items like favorite toys, stuffed animals, blankets, or books. There is unfortunately a lot of down time at evacuation shelters, so including a coloring book or puzzle for your kids or yourself can also help keep spirits up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I evacuate?
To ensure you have time to evacuate safely after packing your bag, BD&J recommends evacuating as soon as a warning is issued. Wildfires move quickly and in unpredictable ways. Waiting until you’re under a mandatory evacuation could be dangerous.
Do I need a wildfire attorney?
While many wildfires are caused by lightning strikes, others are the result of negligent actions by organizations, individuals, or corporations. A wildfire attorney can help you determine if your losses were the result of another party’s negligence.
Where do I go in an evacuation?
During evacuations you may choose to go to a safe location at a friend or family member’s home. Alternatively, if another home isn’t available, you could locate your nearest evacuation shelter. Look for shelters for the Los Angeles wildfires here.
How to Retain a Compassionate Wildfire Attorney in California
If you or loved one were injured or lost property during a California wildfire, a wildfire lawyer may be able to help you claim compensation. Follow these steps to contact a California wildfire attorney with BD&J.
- Collect documentation on your losses. Keeping photos of your home and property, medical bills, testimonies, and communication records including evacuation orders to present to your personal injury attorney at BD&J can help expedite the filing of your claim.
- Contact our personal injury team. Complete our form to receive a call from one of our team members regarding your potential case. Our lawyers will review the information you provide and begin the process of filing.
- Stay in contact with us. Our personal injury attorneys will be keeping you informed as your claim progresses. However, we empower our clients to participate in their claim and may need to discuss the process with you.
Wildfire Attorneys Helping Victims Recover After the Los Angeles Wildfires
Our team of compassionate and dedicated wildfire attorneys at BD&J know that California residents experiencing property or home loss due to wildfires are likely undergoing one of the most difficult periods of their lives. BD&J’s own staff has been victimized by the Los Angeles wildfires, and we know how stressful the claims process can be. If you’ve been impacted by a wildfire in California, you could be eligible for compensation. Contact the wildfire attorneys at BD&J today for a free consultation!
