Step 2 – Create a 15 Minute Grab List

A fire is moving in your direction or rain is turning into a flash flood.  You are given 15 minutes to leave.  What do you pack???

Photos, keepsakes, important documents.   Even if you can think of the things in your head … do you know where everything is?  Imagine what would happen if you didn’t have time to think?  Panic makes all of us lose focus.

Here is a great quote from Organize for Disaster by Judith Kolberg:

“Fear is a normal, natural response to danger; but fear’s effect on thinking and action can be deadly.  Just when you need clear, quick thinking, your heart rate goes up.  Emotions are strong.  Adrenaline, a powerful hormone, is released into the body.  Your brain can feel overwhelmed.”

So don’t assume you’ll be able to  think clearly in an emergency.  If you are only given 15 minutes to pack up your possessions, make sure you have a list of what to pack or there is a good chance you’ll forget something.  Once you’ve created your list, make sure your whole family knows where to find it!

ACTION 1: Make the list now!  

• Print the 15 Minute Grab List form or create a document in your favorite text editor.
• Organize things by room!  Sure, some things will move, but most will stay in the same room.  Try to have your list grouped by room so that it is faster to pack and you can delegate the lists to family members.
• Medicine First!  This is one of the most important.  Have those listed.  Include contact lens liquids and other items you’ll need at the shelter.
• The Bug Out Bin should be on your list.  You will create one of these in Step 5.  It basically holds all of the key emergency items that the Red Cross and FEMA recommend if you have to quickly evacuate or shelter in place after a disaster.  These are must-have items like flashlights, radio, first aid kit, etc.  The But Out Bin keeps them organized and easy to find in an emergency.
• The next thing on the list should be the Financial Document Binder you will work on in Step 11. This will be especially important if you have to file applications with FEMA following a disaster.
• Keys to Safety Deposit Boxes.  Banks can charge a lot to replace these.  Make sure they are on your list.
• Don’t forget the pets!  Make sure you include stuff you will need for them, like crates, food and bowls.  I keep a flexible dog bowl in my Bug Out Bin so that all I need to do is grab the food.

ACTION 2: Make sure everyone knows where to find the Grab List!

Once you have created your “Grab List”, be sure other family members know where it’s located.  Disasters can happen when you are not home.  It may be one of your family members who has to pack the car.  Have a family meeting or discuss this list at dinner.  Show everyone where to find it.