ROCKVILLE, MD--(Marketwire - Aug 27, 2012) -  The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) suggests that individuals evacuating due to Tropical Storm Isaac gather these items to take with them:

• Health & homeowners insurance policies, wills, passports, other critical papers (store in a plastic, zip-type bag to keep dry)
• Family photos, jewelry & irreplaceable mementos
• Digital camera, video camera
• Digital inventory CD of house and printout of contents
• Paper & pen, address book, emergency phone numbers (family, hospital, physicians)
• Wallet, checkbook, credit cards, cash, prescriptions and medications
• Canned goods, can opener, peanut butter, protein bars, M.R.E.s, baby food
• Bottled water (1/2 gallon per person), water purification tablets
• Sharp knife, duct tape, electrical tape, small shovel, rope, work gloves, fix-a-flat for tires, tarps, dust masks, small toolbox, all-purpose tool
• Waterproof matches, butane lighter, small fire extinguisher
• Radio, extra batteries, GPS
• Candles, flashlights 
• Pet food and supplies
• Toiletries - toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine products, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, trash bags
• First aid kit, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, vitamins, general remedies (cold, flu, allergies, lip balm, antacids), glasses
• Clothing - long pants/shirts/gym clothes for sleeping/rain poncho, walking/working shoes, extra underwear and socks, jackets/sweaters
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, folding chairs
• Laptop computer, cell phone, chargers & car chargers
• Children's games & activities

Before you leave:

• Take photos of every room in the house
• Put away important papers and items in a water-proof container
• Back up computers
• Fully charge computers and cell phones and other critical electronics

"Residents should consider what they would need access to if they had to leave their home or business for several weeks," said RIA President Sam Bergman, CR. "RIA members know from experience how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected."

More disaster tips and what to do before and after a flooding emergency can be found on the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org under the "consumers" link at the bottom of the home page.

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides leadership and promotes best practices through advocacy, standards and professional qualifications for the restoration industry. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.