Be Prepared to Evacuate – It’s Hurricane Season

Now that we are entering hurricane season, it is more important than ever to be prepared.  If you are in a coastal area, you may need to evacuate.  The time to get ready for a hurricane is not when a hurricane is in the Gulf.  Instead, be prepared to evacuate in advance.

Evacuating is more common than people think. Fires and floods may force people out of their homes.  Mudslides force evacuations out west.  Industrial accidents can release harmful gases, causing people to evacuate.  Along the coastlines, hurricanes may cause people to leave their homes and businesses.

Put your Evacuation Plan Together in Advance

You may only have a couple of days’ notice about evacuation.  During that time, not only will you need to plan to get your family to safety, but you will also want to prepare your home.  There may not be enough time to do everything that you need.  That is why it is essential to be prepared in advance.

Know what supplies you will take with you.  Choose a couple of different destinations and plan out a route to get there.  Discuss this with your family, so they know where to meet, and out-of-town family members are aware of where you are going.

Evacuation Preparedness

If a hurricane is headed your way, there are a few things that you can do to be ready in advance.  Make these evacuation plans ahead of time to stay ahead of the storm:

• Where to Meet – Pick a place both inside and outside of your neighborhood where your family can meet to evacuate together.
• Gas Up – Make sure the car or truck you will be using to leave has a full tank of gas.  The last thing you need is a line at the pump or a gas station without power when you are running on empty.
• Get Cash – Have cash on hand in case power is out and credit cards are not accepted.
• Make a Reservation – If you are staying in a hotel when you evacuate, make your reservation early.  Make sure the hotel accepts animals if you are bringing pets.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather or stuck in serious traffic.  People have been killed on congested highways.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take a back road or short cut.  They may be blocked or flooded.
• Do not drive through flooded areas or over down power lines.
• Bring an emergency supply kit.
• Pack your medications and medical supplies for family members with special needs.
• Pack you Paperwork – Take important documents, such as bank statements, insurance information, the deed to your house, and information about the contents of your home.
• Take your Pets – Bring your pets, together with their food and any medication they need.
• Bring a battery-powered radio to listen to emergency reports.

Evacuating for a storm can be hectic.  Things can be forgotten.  If you have time, though, you may want to:

• Let your out-of-town family know where you are going.  Send them contact information for the hotel where you will be staying.
• Secure your home - Board windows, lock valuables in a safe, lock doors and windows.
• Unplug electronics and place them in a secure location.  If instructed to do so, turn off gas and water to your home.
• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

Evacuating your home or business can be extremely stressful.  Planning in advance may help.