Emergency Evacuation Checklist: What to Grab When Time is Running Out

Disasters strike without warning. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or civil unrest, having a solid evacuation plan can mean the difference between leaving safely or losing essential items in the chaos. You may have anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours to evacuate. To help you stay prepared, we've broken down a priority-based emergency evacuation checklist so you know what to grab based on the time you have.

15-Minute Warning: The Essentials

If you have just 15 minutes to evacuate, focus on the absolute essentials—items that you cannot replace and need for survival.

✅ Wallet, purse, keys, and glasses
✅ Cell phones and chargers
✅ Emergency cash/credit cards
✅ Pets, carriers, leashes, and any pet medications
✅ Clothing, shoes, and coats (weather-appropriate)
✅ Hearing aids and prescription medications
✅ Flashlights and extra batteries
✅ Safety deposit box key
✅ Checkbooks, ID cards, and passports
✅ Face masks (COVID-19, smoke protection, or air filtration)

30-Minute Warning: Comfort and Security

With an extra 15 minutes, you can start adding items that provide more comfort and security.

✅ Everything from the 15-minute list, plus:
✅ Pillows, sleeping bags, or blankets
✅ Address book or emergency contact list
✅ Jewelry, small valuables, and sentimental items
✅ Personal hygiene supplies (toothbrush, soap, feminine hygiene products)
✅ Extra medications and supplements
✅ Pet food, bowls, bedding, and litter
✅ Children’s comfort items (toys, books, stuffed animals)
✅ Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
✅ Toilet paper, hand wipes, and hand sanitizer
✅ First Aid Kit
✅ Three days’ worth of clothing and durable shoes
✅ Laptop/computer and necessary chargers
✅ Gallon jugs of drinking water

1-Hour Warning: Prepared for the Long Haul

With an hour, you can pack more survival tools and important documents to help you through a prolonged emergency.

✅ Everything from the 30-minute list, plus:
✅ Safeguard or take firearms and ammo
✅ Cooler with food and drinks
✅ Important personal records (birth certificates, SSN cards, etc.)
✅ Gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE)
✅ Disposable eating utensils and plates
✅ School supplies and critical work materials
✅ Licenses, vehicle titles, home deeds
✅ Insurance papers, financial, and medical records
✅ Wills and power of attorney documents
✅ Family photos and irreplaceable mementos
✅ Bank account details and backup financial info

2+ Hours Warning: Maximize Preparedness

If you’re lucky enough to have more than two hours, you can load up with long-term survival and comfort items.

✅ Everything from the 1-hour list, plus:
✅ Additional family photos, artwork, and keepsakes
✅ Military decorations, awards, and service records
✅ Fully packed luggage with additional supplies
✅ Valuable electronics and camera gear
✅ Camping gear (tent, sleeping mats, etc.)
✅ Journals, diaries, or personal notes

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead to Stay Safe

Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation is within your control. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—create a go-bag with your essentials and review this checklist regularly to stay ahead of any crisis.

At Tactically Prepped, we provide gear and emergency preparedness solutions to help you and your family stay safe, secure, and ready for anything. Check out our collection of bugout bags, survival kits, and emergency gear to ensure you’re prepared no matter what.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. Tactically Prepped.