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Evacuating an area during peacetime is more common than you think. Whenever there is an industrial or harmful spill from transportation accidents, thousands of people have to leave the area. They are forced to leave their homes until the area is safe again. Almost yearly, people who live on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts have to evacuate as a precautionary measure when hurricanes threaten inland invasion. Although some evacuations involve a small number of people, some involve a very large number. In 1985 during Hurricane Elena, 1.5 million people were evacuated from the Gulf Coastline area.
Being prepared is the best way to not fear an evacuation. Most communities have in place an evacuation plan. Specific evacuation procedures will differ by location and by the disaster. Contact your local community heads for local evacuation plans.
Most evacuations take place by automobile. Keeping emergency supplies in a car is a good idea. In the event of flood, you will probably have time to get your emergency supplies out of the car. Another idea is to put backpacks or suitcases filled with emergency supplies near an exit of your home where they can be easily picked up on your way out.
Backpacks are a favorite way to store emergency items. A backpack with emergency items for each member of the family is an easy way to prepare. It is wise to keep whatever items you would need to survive for at least three days. Different people have prepared many different lists of essential items with differing opinions as to what is essential. This article will give some basic suggestions. It can be modified to suit your needs. Large Ziploc bags work well for items of different categories.
Parents please take special note. Children grow quickly and have different needs at different times. Be sure to set a specific time each year to check your emergency supplies, adapting to the age of your children. Clothing will need to be replaced for them as well as diapers and the types of foods they are able to eat. Remember extra warmth for a baby or child. Also, thought should be given to items that will help a child during a crisis. A pad and pencil, a small toy, or some candy are a few suggestions to occupy a child during an evacuation.
Assemble a basic first aid kit with basic items and any medications that are needed by you and your family. This may include antibiotic ointment, adhesive tape, thermometer, tweezers, ammonia, gauze, band aides, diarrhea medicine, rubbing alcohol, fever reducer, prescription drugs, safety pins, hot water bottle, matches, medicine dropped, needles, scissors, elastic bandages, calamine lotion and a first-aid instruction booklet. These items will need to be checked regularly and replaced as needed. Keep current tetanus immunizations and boosters.
Assemble necessary clothing items. This may include one change of clothing per person, socks, pants, hat, gloves, sturdy shoes, underwear, shirts, sweater, raincoat, and jacket.
Assemble emergency food supply for survival for 3 days. This needs to be a well thought out procedure. Make sure you have at least one day’s worth of food that takes little or no preparation. Remember a can opener and utensils needed. Provide a way to heat food if possible. Try to select foods that are easy to store and that will last. Water is essential. A gallon of water for each person is essential. If water is not available, eat very little or no food. Salt and pepper will help food items be more palatable. Include a lot of snack type foods such as nuts, jerky, nutrition bars, raisons, gum and hard candy.
Lists of other supplies are many and varied. Try to find small containers of items to be put into your emergency packs. Basic personal items include soap, toothpaste, Kleenex, razor, mirror, Chapstick, sanitary napkins, q-tips, sunscreen, toothbrush, deodorant, comb, shampoo, lotion, fingernail file, toilet tissue, and shaving cream. An emergency tool kit may include a camp shovel that folds, bucket, pliers, adjustable wrench, caulking compound, ax, screwdrivers, small hammer and nails, electrical and duct tape, and plastic sheeting. Miscellaneous items might include a washcloth, towel, wet wipes, small rope and clothespins, signal flares, small pocket solar calculator, cash and coins, gas, postage stamps, charge and phone cards, and any religious items such as a bible. Copies of important documents include personal and legal documents, medical records, ID card, and insurance documents.
Some type of sleeping supplies is also needed. If room is limited, put in a small blanket or afghan for each person. Lightweight wool blankets work well.
After emergency supplies are stored, review evacuation procedures with your family so that every person knows what to do and where to meet if you become separated. Decide a friend or relative outside of your area that will be the person to contact and say that they are safe. Talk to the school personnel and find out where children will be if they have an evacuation at school. Figure out where you would go if you had to evacuate.
Make sure that your car has gas in it at all times. During an emergency gas stations may not be open. Arrangements with friends or neighbors need to be made if you do not own a vehicle.
Know how to shut off all of your utilities. Shut off the gas, electricity, and water and the main valves and switches. Usually an adjustable wrench or a pipe and crescent wrenches work for shutting off main valves. Your local utility company can help you learn how to shut off utilities.
When you are told that you need to evacuate, listen on a battery powered radio for instructions from your local officials. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that will protect. Make sure you know where your emergency supplies are and that they are ready to pick up at a moments notice. Secure the house if you have time. Close and lock doors and windows. Unplug appliances. Turn off all utilities. Make sure your water pipes are protected if freezing weather is a threat. Let someone know where you are going. Follow the instructions given by authorities and follow their recommended routes. Shortcuts could be blocked so follow instructions given.
If you prepare for an evacuation in advance, you can proceed calmly. A little advance planning goes a long way in preparing for an evacuation. It is important to keep a clear head and use common sense in thinking what to do and how to do it. Evacuations are for your safety so it is best to obey local authority.
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