Week 11: The Six P’s of Evacuation – Part 4: Pictures and Irreplaceable Memorabilia

This week, we’re addressing the items that we can survive without, but really hope not to have to. Thank goodness for phones with high quality cameras and the ability to store memories photographically. But, for those of us who started taking pictures when film was the only option, here is your reminder to digitize your favorites. Fire that scanner back up and get to work! And, although it’s impossible to photograph or scan a three-dimensional item and still have the same emotional response, perhaps that image will be better than nothing following an emergency. If anything, it will help prompt stories.

Pictures and Irreplaceable Memorabilia

• Photographs (framed, mounted, or in albums)
• Two-dimensional art (like paintings)
• Three-dimensional art (like sculptures)
• Family heirlooms
• Items from childhood
• Diplomas, certificates, or trophies

This fourth P is particularly personal. The list above includes examples of what may be most important to you and your family. Like the documents from Week 9, I scan or take photos and videos of my items and save them on the disks and in the cloud. Of course, if there are items you absolutely cannot part with (I know I have a few), make sure they’re stored with your Go Bag to be evacuated with you or placed in a fireproof safe.

For items that cannot be evacuated with a short notice order, such as a piano passed down from generation to generation, there are methods you can use from a variety of sources to emotionally prepare yourself for or recover from loss. I encourage you to find what will work best for you and your family, but below are some examples of how to identify the items that are most important to you, as well as how to let them go.

• As an appreciator of Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method myself, I realize the intent of asking “Does this spark joy?” doesn’t exactly lead to the end goal of determining what will be included in a Go Bag when disaster strikes. However, perhaps this simple question will help you feel confident in your decision regarding your definition of irreplaceable memorabilia.
  • Reference: KonMari Philosophy, 6 Rules of Tidying – “Rule 6: Ask Yourself If It Sparks Joy”
• Dr. Nafeesah Allen (Real Simple) interviewed Beth Blacker (It’s Just Stuff) and Lauren Piekos (Vice President of Business Development, Atlas Van Lines) and compiled the advice for a de-cluttering article. However, three sections – “Evaluate the Items’ Significance,” “Find Other Ways to Hold Onto the Memories,” and “Be Kind to Yourself” are useful for pre- and post-fire planning.
  • Reference: Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. (2024) – “How to Get Rid of Sentimental Items (Without Feeling Guilty)”
• Dr. Mica Estrada (Psychology Today) wrote about letting go of the past to make room for the future and recommended letting gratitude replace fear or sadness when letting go of sentimental items.
  • Mica B. Estrada, Ph.D. (2021) – “How to Release Attachment to Sentimental Things: Letting go of the past to make room for the future.”
• These articles written by Julia Rubin (The Associated Press, Editor of Lifestyle stories) list ways to prepare for potential loss of items, as well as bounce back post-disaster.
  • Reference: Julia Rubin (2025) – “Tips on overcoming the loss of cherished, personal belongings in disasters”
  • Reference: Julia Rubin (2025) – “How to cope when disasters strip away photos, heirlooms and other pieces of the past”

There’s no doubt that dealing with the loss of items qualifies as a grieving process. It is important to not dismiss those feelings, and to work through them on your terms.
Emotions aside, it is also smart to capture “before” videos and photos of your property, structure, and possessions for insurance purposes. Then, when you can return to your property post-fire, it’s important to have “after” evidence and record damage to your home and personal items. (Refer to “10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters” from  Lawrence & Associates).

Cost: $0 - $$ (Depending on the supplies you may need to buy now)
Frequency: It’s probably ideal to get the most up-to-date files on the removable disk to someone you trust at least semi-annually.
 
If you have advanced warning before an evacuation, what item(s) will you be sure to pack? Share in the Comments.
 
Important Disclaimer: I am not a fire preparedness professional. I am merely sharing my research, opinions, and what I find that applies to my geographic and personal situations in hopes that it will help others. Please make sure that whatever steps and advice you follow are what is best for you.

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□️□ It’s Week 11 of the #FirePrepFriday series. Take time to think about the fourth of the Six P’s of Evacuation - Pictures and Irreplaceable Memorabilia. Visit my website for the associated blog post and tell me what inanimate item you refuse to leave behind: kristaleewest.com/fireprepfriday.html

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— Krista West, Ph.D. (@rsfirenerd.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 4:33 PM