cellio | evacuations

Katrina is certainly a tragedy, and I feel really bad for the people who've lost lives and property. My heart goes out to those people. But two things: (1) this is not anything like the tsunami in magnitude, Mr. Mayor, and (2) there are other things going on in the world too and I'd like the news to cover them. (I mean, really, if I were a nefarious government agent itching for some shenanigans, this would be the perfect time.)

anastasiav posed a thought experiment today. Given 12-24 hours' notice that you have to clear out and you have only your current vehicle with which to do it, what would you take? I have sometimes played through the "the house is on fire" scenario, where you maybe grab something on your way out the door, but this is a different scenario.

This isn't the order in which I thought of things, nor is this in full priority order, but I'm trying to group things for easier reading. For purposes of the exercise I'm assuming that my VW Golf is not currently in lemon mode. :-)

The universal "this goes without saying, right?" list: passport, cash, checkbook, cell phone, non-perishable compact food, drinking water, medicine, blankets, a few changes of clothes, toiletries, contents of the "important papers" drawer.

Every bit as essential to me: the cats (duh), some food for them, computer CPU and external hard drive. Yes, if a shelter turned my cats away I'd keep driving, as long as I possibly could. (And by the way, the cats and the external hard drive -- in that order -- are what I'd grab in the event of a fire.)

Thinking practically: contents of the "original work" drawers (research notes, sheet music, etc that aren't on the computer), one good knife, photos of items being left behind (including contents of bookshelves) for the insurance claim and to help with rebuilding,

Sentimental stuff: photo albums (I don't have a lot), the afghan my grandmother (of blessed memory) made for me (doubles as a blanket, too), a few (specific) pieces of jewelry, copies of my band's CDs (one each, I mean, not stockpiles), kiddush cup from our wedding, Shabbat candlesticks from a good friend.

Special and possibly surprising to some: about a dozen specific religious texts, or that entire section of the bookcase if I had room. Books are replacable, but that's not the point. I would do my best to specifically rescue the books containing the (real, not translated) name of God. I would also check with my synagogue and offer to take one torah scroll with me if needed. Yes, I would give my religious community a chunk of my evac space for something that important; it's kind of like tithing, when you think about it.

(Oh, in case you're wondering, Dani has his own car. We'd certainly try to use both. So I haven't factored him into this. This is my list, not our list.)

Unless there's room (which I kind of doubt), my hammer dulcimer didn't make the cut (though I'd grab the bag of hammers; good hammers are really important, and they're small). It's expensive and it would be a shame, but I do know where to get another. Losing the case would be annoying (not commercially available), but in this scenario I'd be doing enough rebuilding of the core parts of my life that this would be noise. (Err. So to speak.)

Sure, I've got lots of other stuff -- but most of it is stuff that could be replaced. It's just stuff. The things I listed go beyond "just stuff".

What are the things that you consider to be beyond "just stuff"?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We have a friggin' big van. That given, and its tank is full, we'd have:
20-30 gallons potable water
3 folding chairs
3 coolers stocked with dry ice before emergency set in.
2-3 folding tables +trays
2-3 tents
1 big tarpaulin
3 small tarpaulins
Many extra sticks to rig tarps as needed
Lots of rope.
camp stove for boiling water
Fuel for same
3 kitchen knives (dagger works) and a couple wooden spatulas
Basic feast gear. Glass if optional
Mixing bowl
cutting board
bedding (in bundles in storeroom)
Keys
cash (lots)
whatever is perishible in the fridge
canned food (for people)
Dry food (for people and aminals)
Boxed soy milk and soup
cast iron implements
Candles & lanterns + wax
flashlights, batteries, and rechargers.
Dry hardwood
Personal documents--I am a USer--no passport, but an original BC.
Various books _ I know what they are_
Good jewelry. It can be bartered.
Clothes for several+days. I'm not fussy that way. Just something for any condition of heat, cold, or damp. I know where they are. I won't be stylish, but I will be comfortable.
Toiletries + first aid kit which includes antiseptics and bandages. They overlap.

If there's time I could get sentimental. But I'm assuming 12 hrs. Our house is thick brick with a reasonable roof, so I'm hoping for the best.

But I keep this in my brain for reference. Don't know how and hope never to need it. But someone should know this stuff in any given residence at all times. We've got a tornado watch on.

evacuations

evacuation of dwelling, 12 hrs