Hurricane! 10 Tips When Evacuation is Necessary

If you have been given an order to evacuate or you feel it is necessary that you should:

1. Leave as soon as possible.  This is best done in daylight.  Choose higher ground where you won’t be driving through flood waters.  Try to find out if bridges are still in operation before you reach them.  Expect that this evacuation will take longer than normal. 
2. Protect from power surges by unplugging appliances.  Turn off the main water valve.
3. Let family know where you are evacuating to.  They will feel comforted knowing that you have plans to evacuate and what  routes you may take.
4. If you live in a surge area that will be hit, and time permits, and if you have invested substantially into food storage move this to upper floors.  Replacing it can cost thousands of dollars and with higher food prices and food shortages today it is best if you can preserve what you have.
5. If you can’t take animals with you, leave them with enough food and water for several days.  allow them the freedom to move upstairs should flood waters rise.  Have food and familiar toys and bedding up high as well.  A dripping faucet into the tub is an option for water. Place a note on your door that there are pets inside and where they are located.  Provide your contact number of where you are as well.
6. Take seasonal clothes with you.   Even if you evacuate in hot weather, plan for cold.  Having a pre-packed Go-bag is very beneficial.  It is hard to think and pack for needs when you have only minutes, but if you’ve done so ahead of time you will have everything on you.  
7. Lock your home and leave.  There are neighbors evacuating after you and arriving back before you.  Law Enforcement may not be available to patrol for looting and break ins.
8. Take a privacy curtain and a potty box or bucket.  Roads become a parking lot for many hours, even overnight.  You will need a way to relieve yourself without squatting in front of the populace or venturing far from your car if there are dangerous people about.
9. Pack ready-to-eat meals as you may be on the freeway for a long time.  Also take your medications and bottles of water.
10. Make sure your car’s gas tank is full.  In fact, it is a good idea to always fill your tank when it reaches the halfway mark.

You got this!

www.emergencyzone.com