Evacuation planning is front-of-mind for many northerners, with out of control fires surrounding many communities, including Lynn Lake, Cross Lake and Flin Flon.

Basics like water, medicines, clothing and non-perishable food items are a good start.

And, you may already have some other items ready to go, according to Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region.

“We are lucky in the North that a lot of us go camping. A lot of the things that you need to be prepared for a few days are probably already around your house so before you worry that you need to build this kit and spend a bunch of money, take a look around to see what you’ve got already. Likely you got most of those things and if you check your food stache, you probably don’t have to rush out and clean out the shelves of a grocery store.”

Krentz suggests you create a list of what you want to take in case of evacuation so you’re not scrambling at the last minute and forgetting important items.

He also advised making sure your vehicle is fueled up and have some cash handy.