VetCV Resource Library

Here's a comprehensive list of essential items you should have ready if you and your family need to evacuate:

1. Cash & Credit Cards: In addition to all the essential items, money or cash is crucial to have with you during an evacuation
2. Cash: It's recommended to carry at least $200 to $500 in cash, broken down into smaller bills ($20s, $10s, $5s, and $1s) for flexibility. Depending on the size of your family and how long you might be away, you may want to adjust this amount to ensure you have enough for essential purchases like gas, food, and lodging, especially if electronic payment systems are down for an extended period. In the aftermath of a disaster, ATMs may not work, and card transactions could be unavailable due to power outages or network disruptions. Cash will ensure you're able to buy essentials like food, gas, and supplies, even if electronic payment systems are down.
3. Coins: Small change can be useful for vending machines, tolls, or parking if you're traveling through different areas.
4. Having cash ensures you're not stuck in a situation where you're unable to pay for immediate needs while on the move or after you’ve evacuated.
5. Clothing & Personal Items
6. Several days' worth of clothes (including layers and sturdy shoes)
7. Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant)
8. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
9. Prescription medications and necessary medical supplies
10. Glasses, contact lenses, and solution
11. Food & Water
12. Bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
13. Non-perishable food (granola bars, canned food, nuts, etc.)
14. Baby formula, baby food (if applicable)
15. Manual can opener
16. Utensils and paper plates
17. Emergency Supplies
18. Flashlights and extra batteries
19. First-aid kit
20. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
21. Chargers for electronics (portable battery packs)
22. Multi-tool or pocket knife
23. Waterproof matches or lighter
24. Security
25. See Personal Security List
26. Comfort Items
27. Blankets or sleeping bags
28. Pillows
29. Small toys, books, games for kids
30. Comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal
31. For Babies & Pets
32. Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
33. Baby food, bottles, formula
34. Pet food and water
35. Pet carriers or crates
36. Leashes, collars, and vaccination records
37. Special Needs
38. Supplies for elderly or disabled family members (mobility aids, medical devices, etc.)
39. Extra eyeglasses or hearing aids
40. Comfort items for emotional support
41. Other Essentials
42. Map of the local area and evacuation routes
43. Copies of important documents stored in a waterproof bag (See Emergency Documents Tab for a list)
44. Phone numbers for local shelters, authorities, and out-of-town contacts
45. Transportation Essentials
46. Full tank of gas in the car
47. Car phone charger
48. Emergency car kit (jumper cables, tire repair kit, flares)

Having these items pre-packed and easily accessible will help you evacuate swiftly and safely.

Personal Security Considerations for Evacuation:

1. Cash & Credit Cards: In addition to all the essential items, money or cash is crucial to have with you during an evacuation
2. Firearm(s) (if legally owned and permitted)
3. If you own a firearm and choose to bring it, ensure you are familiar with local laws regarding transporting weapons.
4. Keep your firearm secured and out of reach of children. A locked gun case or a trigger lock is highly recommended for safety during travel.
5. Make sure you bring any necessary permits or documentation with you.
6. Pack extra ammunition in a secure and safe manner.
7. Pepper Spray or Personal Defense Items
8. Carry personal protection items such as pepper spray, which can provide security without the risk level of a firearm.
9. Self-defense Flashlight
10. A heavy-duty flashlight can be a practical item for self-defense and is useful for navigating in dark or unfamiliar areas.
11. Personal Alarm
12. A portable alarm or whistle can be carried to alert others if you're in danger.

Recommendations for Gun Safety During Evacuation:

1. Do not leave your firearm unattended or unsecured in your vehicle or shelter.
2. Inform your family about the presence of the firearm and stress the importance of not touching it unless they are trained and authorized to use it.
3. Store guns in locked cases, away from children and vulnerable individuals, and out of plain sight.
4. Avoid unnecessary use of the firearm. Only use it as a last resort in case of imminent threat to your safety or that of your family.

Recommendations for Firearms You Can't Bring With You During Evacuation:

If you must leave behind any firearms during an evacuation, it's essential to take steps to ensure they are properly secured for safety and to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Here's what you should do:

1. Secure Your Firearms in a Locked Safe:
2. Place any firearms you cannot take with you in a heavy-duty gun safe, secured with a combination lock or key.
3. The safe should be anchored to the floor or a wall to make it difficult for anyone to steal or tamper with it.
4. Remove Ammunition:
5. Unload all firearms and store the ammunition separately in a locked container.
6. Conceal the Safe:
7. If possible, move the safe to an area that is less visible or easily accessible, such as a basement, attic, or hidden closet.
8. Consider Relocating Firearms:
9. If you’re unable to secure your firearms at home, consider relocating them to a more secure location, such as a trusted friend or family member’s home outside the evacuation zone or a secure gun storage facility.
10. Document the Firearms:
11. Keep a record of all firearms left behind, including their serial numbers and descriptions, in case they are lost or stolen during the event. This information will be essential for reporting any losses.

Why Securing or Relocating Firearms Is Important:

1. Safety Concerns:
2. Securing firearms ensures they don’t accidentally fall into the hands of children, untrained individuals, or others who might misuse them.
3. Prevent Theft by Looters or Criminals:
4. After a disaster, looting and criminal activity can increase. Properly securing or relocating firearms reduces the risk of them being stolen and used in criminal activities.
5. Legal Responsibility:
6. As a firearm owner, you are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to your firearms. Taking proactive steps to secure them during an evacuation helps protect others and maintains your legal and ethical responsibilities.

Transporting Firearms Across State Lines Considerations:

When evacuating with firearms and crossing state lines, it's crucial to understand both federal laws and state-specific regulations to avoid legal issues. Here’s an overview of what you need to know:

1. Federal Law: Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA)
2. Safe Passage Provision: Under FOPA, you are generally allowed to transport firearms across state lines if you're legally allowed to possess them in both the state of origin and the destination.
3. Requirements:
4. Firearms must be unloaded.
5. Firearms and ammunition must be stored in a locked container (not the glove compartment or console).
6. The firearms should not be easily accessible (e.g., locked in the trunk or a similar compartment if no trunk is available).
7. State-Specific Laws
8. States vary widely on gun laws, so you’ll need to check the regulations of each state you're traveling through. Key differences include:
9. Concealed Carry Permits: Not all states recognize out-of-state permits, so even if you have a permit in your home state, it may not be valid in the state you’re entering.
10. Restricted Firearms: Some states, like California, New York, and New Jersey, have stricter laws regarding magazine capacities, types of firearms, or ammunition (e.g., hollow-point bullets).
11. Open Carry: States differ on whether open carry is legal and under what conditions.
12. Interstate Agreements & Reciprocity
13. Reciprocity: Some states have agreements to honor each other’s concealed carry permits. Be sure to check if your permit is valid in the state you're entering. Many states have online tools or maps showing reciprocity agreements. USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map
14. National Parks and Military Bases
15. National Parks: You can carry firearms in national parks, but you must follow the laws of the state where the park is located.
16. Military Bases: Firearms are prohibited on military bases unless they are declared and stored according to base security guidelines.
17. Gun-Free Zones
18. Some states have strict gun-free zones, like schools, government buildings, and certain public places. Always research specific state regulations to ensure you don’t violate these rules while evacuating.

Key Steps for Safe Evacuation with Firearms:

• Research: Review the gun laws of every state you plan to travel through.
• Transport Safely: Unload and lock your firearms as required by federal law.
• Know Reciprocity: Check if your concealed carry permit is valid in the states you’ll be passing through.
• Avoid Gun-Free Zones: Be aware of areas where firearms are prohibited.

By understanding and following these laws, you can safely and legally transport your firearms during an evacuation.

Securing your firearms, you help ensure that they don't contribute to further chaos or danger during an already stressful event. It's essential to balance personal protection with safety to ensure that firearms do not become a liability or pose any unintended risk during a stressful situation like an evacuation.

Disclaimer:

The information provided by VetCV, Inc. and/or the VetCV Foundation, Inc. is intended to assist and offer guidance only. We are not liable for any actions, decisions, or consequences that may arise from following these recommendations. You are solely responsible for your own safety, security, and decisions. Always use your best judgment and consult with professionals if necessary.