Efficient evacuation before a hurricane is possible. All it takes is a little planning before the evacuation is called for; or better yet, before the hurricane season even begins. The key is early preparation.
Always maintain an accurate record of all insurance policies. This would include life, health, auto and homeowner’s policies. It would be a good idea to keep video recordings of the home, the contents of the home and the automobiles. As hurricane season nears, put these items in an accessible place in a waterproof container. That way they will be easier to grab when evacuation becomes necessary.
As hurricane season approaches, contact your local Red Cross to locate the evacuation shelter nearest to your home. If possible, visit the shelter to familiarize yourself with the layout of the building. Whether or not it is possible to visit the building, do go over the route to the shelter several times beforehand. As evacuation becomes imminent, things may become too confusing to follow directions to an area with which you aren’t familiar. Remind family members to go over the route from their place of work also. Evacuation notices are often given many hours in advance of a storm, however that is not always the case. Remember that shelters do not take animals. Find the nearest boarding place for your pets early so it won’t be a holdback when the time comes to evacuate.
Make sure irreplaceable and valuable items are either easy to pack or put in a safe place, such as a bank safe deposit box.
Update addresses and telephone numbers in your address book. During the confusion after a storm is no time to be searching for phone numbers and addresses of important people.
Medications should be kept refilled as often as allowed. If your area takes a direct hit from the storm, pharmacies could be closed from a day or two to several weeks.
Your car should be kept full of fuel and you should have enough cash on hand to last for several days. It the power is out in your area, gas pumps and ATMs won’t be operating.
Another preparation to take care of early is securing your home during the storm. Many people will wait until the evacuation order is issued before taking measures to protect the home. With the early warnings we now have for approaching storms, things like this should be done in advance of the order to evacuate. Securing watercraft, as well as yard items, and putting plywood up to the windows are all things that can be done well before the evacuation order is issued. Roadways will be clogged and shelters will fill quickly once the order is given. It is important to be ready to move upon the issue of the order.
All of these suggestions, so far, have been things to do well in advance of an evacuation. Here is a look at what to do as the evacuation is ordered.
When your area is notified to leave, gather together all of your important information. This would include insurance policies, the names and phone numbers of the next of kin living out of state and any medications that are important to day to day living.
Pack enough clothes for each person for at least three days. Bring along books to read and games for children to play. Children will need some activity to distract them during the long hours of waiting for the storm to pass. Don’t forget blankets and pillows as shelters often don’t have enough for everyone.
Pack your car carefully, with the things you will need to take into the shelter within easy reach of the doors. Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside your locked car. Put them in the trunk or locked glove box. Thieves often don’t care how bad the weather is if there valuables to be stolen.
Following a few simple guidelines and planning ahead will make evacuation more efficient and less stressful.
