Before An Evacuation Order Comes, Get Prepared

Facing an evacuation order can be overwhelming, but preparing in advance can make all the difference. From securing your financial records to packing essentials, having a solid plan ensures you and your family can act quickly and efficiently.

This is the hard truth of living through watching my childhood home burn down in a wildfire. Emergencies like wildfires, floods, or hurricanes can strike with little warning, leaving little time to think through the details.

This guide walks you through practical steps to take before an evacuation order comes, focusing on smart preparation and protecting your financial stability. Get ready now so you can leave safely and confidently if the time comes.

Most Importantly… Get out safe!

The picture tells about a man's hand holding a white thing with notes indicating to get out safe is the top priority when evacuation orders come is the most important step in emergency situation. — Image Credit: Dvoevnore.

When evacuation orders come (or you see flames), the top priority is your safety and the safety of your loved ones. No belongings or documents are worth risking your life.

Be prepared to leave immediately, and follow evacuation routes and instructions closely. Staying safe is the most important step in any emergency situation.

Get Many of These Tasks Done Ahead of Time

The picture shows a folder with notes, which means organizing financial documents like insurance policies and bank statements in a fireproof folder ahead of time helps reduce chaos when an evacuation order comes. — Image Credit: DNY59 from Getty Images Signature.

Preparing ahead can save time and stress during an evacuation. When an emergency hits, you are not going to think straight.

Start today and complete these steps. Having key items ready helps reduce chaos when an evacuation order comes.

Gather Important Financial Documents

The image shows papers, a pen, and an eyeglass, referring to gathering important financial documents in a fireproof folder to help access funds after an emergency. — Image Credit: DAPA Images.

Collect essential papers like birth certificates, wills, and vehicle titles. Keep them in a fireproof folder or small safe. These documents are critical for insurance claims, proving ownership, and accessing funds after an emergency.

Create a Digital Backup

The photo shows a coffee, a phone, an eyeglass, an upload icon, and a girl's hand tying on a laptop indicating that creating a digital backup ensures that even if physical documents are lost, you can still access everything you need. — Image Credit: Triloks from Getty Images Signature.

Upload copies of vital records to the cloud. Digital backups ensure that even if physical documents are lost, you can still access everything you need. Include items like passports, mortgage documents, and insurance policies.

To learn more: How to Organize Personal Finances in 8 Simple Steps

Withdraw Emergency Cash

Always keep some cash on hand. If power outages occur or card systems fail, having cash ensures you can buy food, gas, or other essentials during a wildfire or hurricane evacuation.

To learn more: Use the Cash Envelope System & Find Success

Take Inventory of Valuable Belongings

The picture tells about a piece of paper with notes and a marker which refers to taking inventory of valuable belongings to help you recover costs more easily after a disaster strikes. — Image Credit: TeroVesalainen from Pixabay.

Please make a list of your belongings and photograph them. Take a video of your property and belongings. This step is key for filing insurance claims if items are damaged or lost.

While this is the most tedious step, documenting valuables can help you recover costs more easily after a disaster strikes.

Review and Update Insurance Coverage

Check that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy is up to date. Make sure it covers wildfire or hurricane damage.

You need to know how much rebuild coverage you have as well as if your policy has kept up with inflation and property values. Having the right coverage is essential for rebuilding after a major disaster.

To learn more: What do I do if I can’t afford healthcare or insurance?

Pack a Small Safe or Lockbox

The picture tells about a box with a number button which means packing a small safe or lockbox ensures you can grab what matters most quickly when in a hurry. — Image Credit: Hanohiki from Getty Images.

Store important items like deeds, passports, and financial records in a portable lockbox. This ensures you can grab what matters most quickly if you need to leave in a hurry.

To learn more: How Much Cash Should I Have on Hand? What Experts Say to Keep at Home

Grab All Medications and Supplies

Pack essential medical supplies, including prescriptions, inhalers, and first-aid kits. Your health needs don’t pause for an emergency, so have everything you need ready to go.

This can be stored in a fully accessible bag to go. Make sure you check expiration dates on a regular basis.

Clear Debris and Mitigate the Outside

The photo tells about the bucket of a tractor collecting the broken cement which means clearing debris and mitigating the outside help protect your property from wildfire damage and give you peace of mind before evacuation orders. — Image Credit: Sergey Pakulin from Getty Images.

Remove flammable items near your home and clean gutters to reduce fire risks. Simple measures like these can help protect your property from wildfire damage and give you peace of mind before evacuation orders.

Check with your local government; you may qualify for funding or grants to help you with your mitigation efforts. Also, look at specific ways to mitigate your landscaping based on your local climate.

Set Up a Rainy Day Fund

The photo tells about a notebook, a marker, a jar with dollar bills, and a piece of paper with notes referring to setting up a rainy day fund can ease the financial strain of being displaced by a wildfire or hurricane. — Image Credit: Designer491 from Getty Images.

Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs like hotel stays or gas during an evacuation. Having extra money set aside can ease the financial strain of being displaced by a wildfire or hurricane.

While insurance will step in with displacement coverage, you will be reimbursed, but you will need to pay for your day-to-day living upfront.

To learn more: Breaking Down the Purpose of a Rainy Day Fund

Have a Go List

The photo tells about a girl's hand and writing on the notebook which means having a go list helps you stay calm and focused in an emergency situation. — Image Credit: Yipengge from Getty Images Signature.

Create a checklist of must-do tasks for a quick departure. Include items like turning off utilities, grabbing vital documents, and securing your home.

Keep it posted in a place to help you move quickly when evacuated. This go list helps you stay calm and focused in an emergency situation.

Start Making Smart Money Moves to Be Prepared for Unforeseen Circumstances

The picture tells about a girl's hand drawing and writing on a blackboard which means to start making smart money moves can make unexpected events less overwhelming and help you focus on what matters most. — Image Credit: Marrio31 from Getty Images Signature.

Being financially prepared can make unexpected events less overwhelming and help you focus on what matters most. Start building an emergency fund, organizing your documents, and reviewing your insurance policies today.

These steps provide peace of mind and ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way. Taking action now sets you up for stability in uncertain times.

To learn more: The Best Smart Money Moves to Make in 2025

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Comment Now