What to pack in an emergency evacuation kit during a storm in the bay area, atmospheric river

As Bay Area residents endure another round of wet weather and atmospheric river flooding, it’s important to be prepared to evacuate with little to no warning.

The entire Bay Area is under flood watch until Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

From fallen trees to closed roads and landslides, the latest storm is causing a range of problems in the Bay Area.

California authorities are urging families to have a plan and checklist before any significant weather event.

Whether you’re preparing for a flood, earthquake, or landslide, here’s what to include in your evacuation kit before disaster strikes.

• First aid kit: A decent well-stocked kit, including a couple of weeks’ worth of prescription drugs you need. Also include pharmaceutical grade crazy (skin) glue.
• Cash: A lot, because depending on the event, credit cards can be useless. Consider having around $100-$200 in one so you never need change. A couple of quarter rolls might come in handy.
• One set of clothes: Think about layers.
• Blanket: To keep warm; consider the Mylar emergency blanket, which is lightweight and compact.
• Flashlight: Or snap light like glow sticks.
• Whistling: Good for finding people in crowds, at night or in poor visibility conditions.
• Hand crank or battery powered radio: Broadcasters may be available even when cellular networks are down.
• Non-perishable products: Energy bars are good and take up little space.
• Water
• Goggles: Protect your eyes.
• Warmers for hands and feet: Get activated charcoal; they work great.
• Rope: It has endless uses. Choose different sizes (elastic bands too).
• Large black trash bags: Can be used as a poncho or cut into a tent.
• Reusable knife.
• Dust masks (two per person) It is best if these are heavy-duty respiratory-type masks.
• Scotch
• plastic coating
• Copies of documents: Passport, driver’s license, insurance and any other important documents.
• Paper street map: GPS may fail
• Toiletries
• Maxi pads: Can be used as a bandage if needed.
• Copy of your ID
• Sticky notepad, pen and pencil: In case you need to leave a note for the family to let them know where you went or where to meet. Also, save at least one wallet-sized photo of your next of kin, children, or pets. This is very important if you are separated and need to enlist the help of others to find your loved ones.
• Antibacterial hand washing: Available at any pharmacy and most supermarkets and convenience stores, for cleaning hands and even wounds in a pinch. You never know what you might need to touch in an emergency.
• Comfortable, durable pair of shoes
• A pair of leather work gloves: Again, think about rescue and search.
• Three underwear, three pairs of socks
• Pet care products
• Face masks
• Prescription drugs
• Cell phone and chargers

Viani Arana of NBC Bay Area tells you what you need to know about atmospheric river.