Ah, the Pacific Northwest. A place of beauty, nature, and… fires? Recent events have reminded us that Mother Nature can sometimes throw a curveball. And while we usually chat about real estate, today we’re taking a slight detour into our Emergency Preparation Guide Checklist. Why? Because Stef, our resident planner extraordinaire, has a knack for packing light and right. And she’s about to spill the beans on her emergency packing list. (And yes, beans are actually on the list!)

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Another list?”, hear us out. This isn’t just any list. It’s the result of years of meticulous planning, trial and error, and a dash of that Stef magic. Plus, it’s been a hit among local parents. So, instead of sending it individually and risking carpal tunnel, we thought, “Why not share it with everyone here?”

Emergency Preparation Guide Step 1: The Mighty Bin

Your first order of business? A sturdy plastic bin or box with a lid. Think of it as the TARDIS for your emergency supplies – bigger on the inside and ready for any adventure. You can snag one from Home Depot, Walmart, Home Hardware, or any place that sells “stuff to put other stuff in.” This bin isn’t just for emergencies, though. It’s versatile! We also use it for camping and road trips. And yes, we do check and refresh its contents regularly. No expired granola bars on our watch!

The Essential List for Your Bin:

Stay tuned, because after this, we’ll dive into the “grab-and-go” items for sudden emergencies.

Click Here for the Full Downloadable PDF Checklist

Emergency Preparation Guide Step 2: Make Your Grab-and-Go List

Emergencies don’t always give us the luxury of time. While our trusty bin is packed and ready, there are some daily essentials that you’ll need to grab in the heat of the moment. Here’s our list to give you some ideas and ensure you don’t miss a thing:

Kitchen Quick Grabs:

Apples, eggs, carrots from the fridge.
Bread from the freezer.
Onions and potatoes – because who knows, you might whip up an emergency stew!

Cooler Companions:

Grab a small cooler.
For the first night’s feast, toss in those frozen steaks.They’ll act as ice packs to keep the rest cold. For a hearty first-day meal, don’t forget the frozen soup.

Hydration Heroes:

Fill up that 5-gallon water jug.
Grab one large water bottle, and an additional bottle per person for the car journey.

Medical Must-Haves:

Prescription medications. Health first!

Grilling Gear:

Portable grill and its buddy, the portable propane.
And speaking of propane, ensure you have a full tank for the camper.

Clothing & Comfort:

Kids’ outfits – because we can’t have them running around in superhero costumes (or can we?).
Adult sleeping bags for a cozy night’s rest.
Kiddo sleeping bags, tailored for tiny dreamers.
Those special stuffies and blankets that the little ones can’t sleep without.

Tech & Essentials:

Laptop, iPad, and their trusty chargers.
Your phone – because you’ll want to stay connected.
Wallet, because emergencies don’t accept credit.
Keys – to your kingdom and maybe the car.

And of course, the ‘Etc’: Whatever that means for you, don’t forget it!

Remember, the goal is to be out the door efficiently, ensuring you have everything to make the next few days as comfortable as possible. Stay safe, and fingers crossed, you’ll be back home before you’ve had a chance to miss it!

Emergency Preparation Guide Step 3 (but really Step 1): The Insurance Insight

While we’re on the topic of being prepared, there’s one crucial aspect many homeowners overlook: their insurance. With property values and home replacement costs skyrocketing in recent years, it’s essential to ensure you’re not underinsured. Imagine the heartbreak of losing your home to a forest fire or another weather emergency, only to discover your insurance doesn’t cover the full extent of your losses.

Here’s the deal:

Annual Check-up: Make it a habit to review your homeowner’s insurance annually. With areas like Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton seeing significant changes in property values, you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Timely Reviews: The best time to review? The New Year! It’s a fresh start in many ways, so why not make it the time you ensure your home’s safety net is robust? Mark your calendars, set a reminder, do whatever it takes to remember.

Be Proactive: And here’s the kicker – you need to do this before your home is at risk. Insurance is about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. Once a threat is imminent, making changes to your policy might not be possible.

In essence, while packing and preparing physically is vital, ensuring your financial safety net is just as crucial. So, take that extra step, review your policy, and sleep a little sounder knowing you’re fully covered.

Emergency Preparation Guide Step 4: When Forest Fires Knock on Your Door

Preparing your home for a forest fire emergency isn’t just about packing. It’s about being proactive, informed, and ready. Here’s how:

Propane Patrol: Remove all propane from the house. Yes, even that sneaky tank hiding under your grill. Place it in the driveway, away from the main structure.

Gasoline Game Plan: Got gasoline in the shed? Time to relocate. Fill up a container at the gas station and store it in your car.

Fuel Foresight: Fill up your car immediately upon hearing of a fire evacuation alert. Trust us; gas stations get crowded during emergencies.

Curtain Call: Pull off all curtains. They might be stylish, but they’re also flammable.

Furniture Fandango: Move furniture on exterior walls to the middle of rooms. It’s like a mini home makeover with a safety twist!

Water Wisdom: Thinking of soaking the outside of your house? Check with firefighters first. They’ll have the best advice.

Soapy Solution: Invest in spray bottles that attach to hoses and fill them with dish soap. It’s a DIY fire retardant trick!

Ladder Logic: Leave a ladder outside. It can be a lifesaver for firefighters or anyone needing roof access.

Debris Duty: Clear any flammable debris from the exterior of your home. Think of it as an impromptu spring cleaning.

Roof Recon: If you can safely do so, check your roof for debris and remove it. A clean roof is a safer roof.

ALSO: as a general rule, be sure to keep the perimeter of your home clear of dry vegetation, dead leaves, branches, etc. (Something Matt and I have to work on this weekend!)

Emergency Preparation Guide Step 5: Know Your Community’s Evacuation Plan

Here are the links to the Community Evacuation Plans for the Communities in the Sea to Sky Corridor:

Sea to Sky MultiModal Evacuation Plan

Squamish Evacuation Guide

Whistler Evacuation Guide

Emergency Preparation Guide Conclusion:

While we can’t predict every twist and turn life throws our way, we can certainly be prepared. And with this guide, you’re not just prepared; you’re Stef-prepared. Which, let’s be honest, is a whole new level of ready.

Remember, it’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep that emergency bin handy. And if you ever want to chat about real estate (or the best way to pack an ultra-light backpack), you know where to find us!