What would you save in the event of a fire?

[pjlippert]

There is a fire burning semi-close to our home. (not so close so as to be evacuated). But my girlfriends and I were talking about what would you rescue if you had very little time to get out with your lives. Besides the obvious of living creatures (provided they can be transported).

The top things are ALWAYS highly personal. Photos, videos, important documents, medications, Cathe DVD's !!! (okay- I made that last one up!)

We are very fortunate that the weather is cool-ish and the fire would have to jump the freeway to reach us. Plus, it's within a few miles of the Air Force Academy (it's being dubbed the Bear Creek fire (Green Mountain and Mt. Herman are more specific). More than a half dozen fire crews are tackling it.

So, what matters most to you in an emergency?

Pam

 

[Pam_90]

Thanks for the reminder. I live about 10 miles from the large 4 Mile Fire that occurred last Fall. I am upwind, so I was never in danger, but it did start me seriously thinking about what would I take if I had 15 minutes to get out of my house, that almost certainly was going to burn.

I agree with your list. Also I would take my 2 laptops--lots of business and personal stuff on them, cell phones and charger. I have the cat carriers set up with blankets in them as well as dog leashes in the carriers. So that will be fast. I have negatives of photos of the kids spread out in a couple plastic bins. I need to do what I have planned--take those negatives to my parents for storage. Also put all the important pictures in one bin that could be quickly put into the car.

A good suggestion from our fire department is to typed out a plan and put on the refirg--what should be done if have only 10 minutes, an hour, or a day, etc to get out. That way no time is wasted in planning, plus in a panic, stressful time you are not alway thinking the clearest. Plan might include putting inside the house items that are outside, moving furniture away from walls, as well as packing the car.

 

[hokypoky]

Pam, I could see the smoke from the fire by you last night! We seem to get a lot of fires started on Fort Carson, which is across from us .... after the last close one, I photographed every drawer, cupboard, bin, room, outside furniture, etc. and put the photos in a safe-deposit box. I figured if we lost everything, I probably wouldn't remember every little thing we owned. Insurance companies say that you need receipts, but that's not a project I'm willing to tackle. And not that I'd really want to replace it all ....

I would definitely grab my computer - I have all of our business information on it. And tax returns if I had time - I don't know why. Photo albums, of course, and I have most of our digital pics uploaded to Shutterfly, so I could always reproduce those.

 

[Bobbi-B]

This reminds me of a website where people posts pictures of what they would take with them in the event of a fire. It's The Burning House and I've found it fascinating to browse. Most of the people who post seem to be young, creative types, so they pick differently than I would (middle-aged working mom!) but it's still really touching to see the personal, quirky items that make the cut.

As for me, it's the usual suspects... old photos (no digital backup for those!), my laptop, important documents, medication. Of course, family and pets is a given!!!

 

[pjlippert]

Pam, I could see the smoke from the fire by you last night! We seem to get a lot of fires started on Fort Carson, which is across from us .... after the last close one, I photographed every drawer, cupboard, bin, room, outside furniture, etc. and put the photos in a safe-deposit box. I figured if we lost everything, I probably wouldn't remember every little thing we owned. Insurance companies say that you need receipts, but that's not a project I'm willing to tackle. And not that I'd really want to replace it all ....

I would definitely grab my computer - I have all of our business information on it. And tax returns if I had time - I don't know why. Photo albums, of course, and I have most of our digital pics uploaded to Shutterfly, so I could always reproduce those.

Hi Dayna! Thankfully the fire never got too big and the wind was calm. It's out now I think. Still- that you could see the smoke where you live says it was a doozey!

That is a great idea to photograph everything! I wish we had done that four years ago when those torrential rainstorms caused run-off from the surrounding properties and ended up flooding our basement with 18 inches of water! The insurance company didn't cover a dime of it.

My computer and laptop- I can't believe I didn't think of those! I'll check with our local fire department and see if they have a list of what would you pack. That is a superb idea! Thanks for the suggestion.

Pam

 

[pjlippert]

Thanks for the reminder. I live about 10 miles from the large 4 Mile Fire that occurred last Fall. I am upwind, so I was never in danger, but it did start me seriously thinking about what would I take if I had 15 minutes to get out of my house, that almost certainly was going to burn.

I agree with your list. Also I would take my 2 laptops--lots of business and personal stuff on them, cell phones and charger. I have the cat carriers set up with blankets in them as well as dog leashes in the carriers. So that will be fast. I have negatives of photos of the kids spread out in a couple plastic bins. I need to do what I have planned--take those negatives to my parents for storage. Also put all the important pictures in one bin that could be quickly put into the car.

A good suggestion from our fire department is to typed out a plan and put on the refirg--what should be done if have only 10 minutes, an hour, or a day, etc to get out. That way no time is wasted in planning, plus in a panic, stressful time you are not alway thinking the clearest. Plan might include putting inside the house items that are outside, moving furniture away from walls, as well as packing the car.

Hi Pam- how odd that our fire dept doesn't have such a handy list on their web-site! I did find this one on the internet and wanted to share it.

Emergency Evacuation Checklist: What to Take

Pam

 

[Pam_90]

Pam-Thanks for the website. Their list has some good suggestions. I am going tonight customize for my situation, from their list and the one from my fire dept (has some different useful ideas) and prioritize, with lists, depending on how much time I think I have to prepare. Than it is going on the refrig. They also gave us a sample communication plan in case family members are separated. Some good ideas I would not thought of.

The lists from my fire dept were given out at a class I took from them a couple years ago. I checked, it is not on their website. I could email it to you (and anyone else who would like a copy.

Pam

 

[melagras]

This might sound vain to some but I would pack as many of my uncle's drawings and paintings that will fit in my car. He was so talented and I love his work. It cannot be replaced. I would also take my peacock tapestry cross-stitch. It took me three years to finish it and it is my masterpiece.

 

[Pam_90]

Doesn't sound vain to me. I have similar thoughts--my mother's paintings, special things from my Dad and Grandparents, and ???. I am making a list, as I can be faster and not forget something important.

Our forest are past due for forest fires (which naturally occur) and with global warming and a lot of dead trees killed recently by pine beetles, the risk is real and are generally very hot, fast moving fires when they do occur. So I plan to do what I can to get ready, than not dwell on it.

 

[DixieGirl]

If we could get the kiddos and pup out in time to save something I would probably grab my boy's portraits. They were taken when each of them were all two wearing the same outfit. They were highlighted by an artist and cost us an arm and a leg. The photographer didn't keep the original proofs and I don't think the artist is even working anymore, so these are irreplaceable. I would love to get our hard drive too that has all our pics on it and my wedding album.