Ask the Readers: What One Material Good Would You Save?
The Great Flood of 2008 continues.
Evidently, all of the major rivers in my state are going to crest as we’re expecting even more rain. Bridges have been closed and mandatory evacuations are being ordered in nearby neighborhoods and towns. Several county roads and bridges are already washed out. Because we’re on relatively high ground, we shouldn’t experience major flooding at our house (worst case scenario, we end up with a couple feet of water in our basement), but my office is in the danger zone.
Our biggest concern is being without fresh water. During the floods of 1993 the city was without water for two weeks. A lot of levee work has been done near the water treatment plan since then, so hopefully things won’t get that bad - but it’s a real possibility.
At dinner tonight, Matt and I were talking about the possibility of forced evacuation and what we’d save if we could only salvage one thing. Both of us thought we’d go for our laptops first - and naturally, the dog (but she’s a great swimmer - she could probably fend for herself for awhile).
I realize that this is a materialistic question, and that the only thing that anyone really needs is for their loved ones to be safe and sound. I get that, but I also wonder, what would readers grab first in case of a catastrophic flood or fire?
Assuming that all souls were accounted for and safe - what’s the one material item you’d take with you in an emergency evacuation?
Stumble it!
June 10th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
It’s kind of a cop-out, but I would grab the external hard drive. It’s got our important documents, all the photos, my writing, and my music collection. If I could grab more than one item, I’d want the photo originals. Most everything else could be replaced, and most treasured childhood items are at my parents. Of course, if they had a flood, I doubt my blankie would be their first priority… Best wishes for your family–I’m glad it sounds it like you’ll be okay.
June 11th, 2008 at 3:59 am
I would totally grab the scrapbook albums. I have them on the bookshelf, with a rubbermaid container nearby in case disaster strikes. Whle most of the pictures can be found on a website or two, the actual manpower and $$ that went into those babies is irreplaceable.
That’s totally selfish, but seriously, I couldn’t go back and remember all that junk again…
June 11th, 2008 at 7:18 am
I second Emily on the scrapbooks. I originally thought of my pictures, but most of the recent years are on Flickr (I LOVE online photo storage! It’s one less thing to worry about losing forever in a fire!) and the a lot of my childhood photos are at my parents’ house.
I love the idea of keeping them in or near a rubbermaid container! I’ll have to look into that!
June 11th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I have a little wooden box that has some random keepsakes in it: a few pictures, a business card from each job I’ve had, the matchbook from my parents’ wedding, and my passport, so I’d probably grab that. I really ought to add some current things to it, though - all that stuff is not very important to me anymore.
More likely, I’d try to grab my journals. I have a series of them that run back a solid 15 years.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
We had 4 feet of water in our house during Katrina. The one thing we lost that really devastated me was my and my brother’s baby photos. At this point, I’d take my laptop because I’m in the process of adding all other childhood photos that were left to my hard drive.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I actually had this conversation last night with my wife about packing up quickly in an emergency. We have two kids and two dogs and an SUV. Not a lot of room for stuff in the vehicle. My first thought was the laptop with all of our account info, taxes etc. But the item that is priceless is our wedding album. I know…a guy talking about the wedding album. But, it’s true. Maybe I should scan copies into my computer. Then, I just need the computer in an emergency:)
Your blog is wonderful and fascinating to read.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:53 am
If I seriously had to swim/run for it, I’d grab my grandmother’s necklace (most important and most portable, too).
But in reality you wouldn’t have to ONLY grab one thing, so I’d grab the laptop on the way out the door too. All my music and pictures!!
And if I really had a few seconds to think clearly, I’d grab my passport and social security card from the chest. SUCH a hassle to replace.
Then there’s my shoe collection…do I have time to pack a quick suitcase??
June 12th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
The Mac. It has all the photos in it, plus all the financials. Out the door with the thing under my arm! Good thought about the passport and SS card, though…. Close second, no question of it.
June 13th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Assuming my daughter and dog were ok, the ONE thing I’d grab is my mini-safe. It has all of the important documents I’d need to rebuild our lives: birth certs, ss cards, passports, jump drive with tax/banking/financial info, copy of my will, HUD-1 and deed to my house, credit cards, extra checks, and a few sentimental items.
Great post. It made me check my safe’s inventory. Please evacuate, even if you don’t think it’s necessary. Better to be safe than sorry.
June 18th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Photos, without a doubt.