If you have to evacuate, what part of your life do you take with you?

I hope you are asking for personal answers and not what you should pack…

I hope this is hypothetical and you’re not in the path…

Photos; all legal/business/medical documents; clothes; laptop; cell phone.

A few pieces of jewelry that have sentimental value,photos,a few letters,some artwork and things that make sense to take during an evacuation.

It is a serious question and yes, I meant what to pack. What parts of your life are so important that you can’t bear to leave behind. It is damned hard to pack your life into a small suitcase.

My legal documents, my guitar, my DS and games, my laptop and cell phone, any heirlooms (small), a sleeping bag, some snacks. Anything small but nice to have. Most of it would be easily packable within 30 minutes anyway.

If taking my car, we already have everything packed in my hope chest….just went through it last August- for hurricane season. If no time for that….stuff is stuff…. I would just grab a few of my grandmother’s brooches and pictures.

(@rooeytoo : Oh god, be careful.) The children, computers, books, books, books, and clothes.

I have a very dear friend who lived through the worst of Hurricane Katrina. Don’t mess around with storms.

@hawaii_jake – hehehe, yep don’t forget the kids!!! In our case it is 4 legged furry ones!

The latest directive is that you can’t even pack your bag, just go. That eliminates the what to take dilemma anyhow.

I was just ordered to edit this question and post it in social. It is not really a social question. It is real. Yesterday we evacuated our house because of the impending cyclone. At the time we were not sure if it was a necessary move, this morning we are so relieved that we did. The storm overnight increased to the maximum force of catagory 5 and is the biggest Australia has ever seen.

It was indeed a difficult time to try to decide what to take of my life with me. Under the circumstances, that is not much time or room in the car, I took very little. Now, while we wait, I almost feel guilty wondering what will be left when we return, because that could be the least of anyone’s worries when it is all said and done.

@rooeytoo in that case…

Aside from the obvious (clothes, hygiene stuff, “necessary” electronics) I’d bring the book I’m reading, my acoustic guitar, my Polaroid 100 Land camera (with the film) and my Pentax K110. Fuck it, I’m taking all of my cameras. And some tea.

Nothing…I stay I wouldn’t want to miss something like that

I’d try to take my jewellery and anything of value that I could maybe sell after. Also any medicines, dog, cat, some clothes, some water and food. I hope your house is still there @rooeytoo, what a thing to go through. My cousin is in Canberra, I’m glad she’s missing this.

The worst is the Big Red Dog just was not coping. He has been going down for weeks, losing muscle mass in his rear, a walk around the block wore him out. For the last couple of weeks his appetite was waning, he had such trouble getting up and down. It was his time and we gave him back his peace today. So we evacuated with 3 dogs but will only be going home with 2.
You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
this why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.
That strength is why I’ve followed you,
And chose you for my friend,
And why I loved you all these years…
My partner ‘til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift, You’re giving , means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breath your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle gone.

And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I will stay.

I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I will run,
….. a young dog once again……

Author unknown

Oh, @rooeytoo , I’m so sorry about Big Red Dog, what an awful time for that.

Well, obviously my dogs would be the first thing I’d put in the car ready to go but I am assuming that that is a given judging by the details under your question. Other things I would grab would be enough clothes and toiletries to last at least a few days. I would also make sure my Cher and Barbra dolls and framed Barbra poster was with me and a few sentimental things like the Kimono that my boyfriend bought me back from China.

@rooeytoo I’m so sorry about the big red dog :(

Edit: I forgot to add my phone and charger and, if I had enough time/space, my laptop and it’s charger.

@Leanne1986 – can you believe I forgot my phone charger! I brought chargers for everything! except my phone. I hardly every use my phone so under normal circumstances I would not have cared but in this extraordinary time I wanted to have it. I was prepared to go out and buy a new one but luckily a BP station had chargers for sale and they had one that fit my phone!

The cyclone is over now and no lives lost. Given its size and violence, it is a miracle. We still do not know about damage to our home but hopefully it is still standing. We will find out later today and make our way back tomorrow.

Fingers still crossed for you, @rooeytoo .

@JilltheTooth – We all made it through, the kids and families are all safe and have spoken to our neighbor and our house is still standing and so far no flooding from the storm surge.

Thanks for thinking of us!

I’m so glad to hear that, I saw the scope of that storm on the news and it was truly impressive/horrific.

@rooeytoo : Thanks for sharing the very good news with us. That’s great!

@rooeytoo your poem always makes me cry. I had a cat I kept too long just cause I wanted her. I’m glad you came through this storm okay- what a time!

@faye – I am sure your cat wanted to be with you too. I often wonder if I put them down too soon because I wouldn’t want to live that way. I don’t know how to be sure when the time is right so you just have to do what your heart tells you.

@rooeytoo So, so glad to hear you’re ok. :)

@Leanne1986 :-) going home today!