• Fire Requires Evacuationincendie image by Emmanuelle Guillou from Fotolia.com
  
  Sudden emergencies requiring evacuation occur in every part of the world. Prepare an evacuation kit and a list of last-minute items to take, in case of emergency. With these 10 items included in your kit and a last-minute list already prepared you should be able to leave your home within minutes when word comes to get out.
  
  

Pets and Supplies

• Prepare containers for small dogs, cats or other small animals. Take leashes for dogs, even if you do not normally use them. Include a supply of pet food, water and special medications. Remember to bring dishes for your pet's food.
  
  

Water

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that you take enough water to last three days. You will need at least one gallon per day for each person or large animal, preferably bottled. However, you can prepare your own containers.
  
  

Food

• Take enough food for three days. Pack prepared, ready-to-eat foods, canned beverages, soups and fruits. Add crackers, granola bars and other foods that are quickly eaten out of hand. Remember foods for family members with special diets.
  
  

Medicines, Prescriptions and Specialty Items

• Take enough prescription medications for at least three days. Add over-the-counter medications to keep you comfortable. Do not forget those for pets. If any medicines must be kept cold (insulin), have cold packs and cooler available. Also, take wheelchairs and other equipment for disabled family members. Include a first aid kit in your vehicle, too.
  
  

Money

• In the event of widespread disaster, and especially if there is no power, there may be no way to purchase needed items without cash. Put aside several small bills and change, as well as a larger sum, to take with you.
  
  

Clothes and Bedding

• Each person will need clothing for a few days. Depending on location, you will also need to include rain gear, heavyweight winter clothing, gloves and hats. Do not forget shoes and boots. You may want to take sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and a plastic tarp.
  
  

Documents

• Keep important documents in a small fire-safe box to grab when you leave. Include birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, Social Security cards, passports, drivers' licenses, financial records, wills, deeds and recent tax information. Take the keys for this box and your safety deposit box with you.
  
  

Cell Phone

• Family members should know how to send text messages, and take cell phones with them. Ready America explains that text messages often get through when disruptions prevent phone calls. Also, pack chargers for each phone.
  
  

Toys and Comfort Items

• Children and pets will want favorite toys or blankets. Evacuation is stressful, especially for those who do not understand what is going on.
  
  

Laptop or Computer Hard Drive

• When you grab your laptop, include the power supply, too. Take the hard drive from your desktop to save your data and prevent others from accessing your information.