How to Prepare for Evacuation

Preparation is the key to evacuation. Long before an evacuation is ordered, your evacuation plan must be in place and every member of the family must understand it. By taking the time to prepare, you spare yourself and your loved ones additional inconvenience and stress during an already stressful time. Read on to learn how to prepare for an evacuation.

Instructions

• 1

  Create an evacuation plan checklist with agreed upon responsibilities. Have a reserve of cash or traveler's checks and an open credit card set aside. Plan to fill the gas tank as soon as an evacuation order becomes a possibility.

• 2

  Determine the destination and be familiar with the main route as well as an alternate route. Notify neighbors and others in the area with contact information and location.

• 3

  Designate a central emergency contact person out of the evacuation area's telephone area code. Make sure every family member has a card with this person's address, phone number and cell number.

• 4

  Create an inventory of everything to take upon evacuating. Choose high priority items only. Remember to include birth certificates, deeds and titles, insurance policies, social security cards, and all medications and prescription information. Keep documents in a sealed waterproof envelope or box. Make sure each adult knows where these documents are kept.

• 5

  Put together an evacuation pack for each family member. Include a sleeping bag or bed roll, food and water for three days, a change of clothing and grooming items. Take sufficient baby formula and diapers. Assemble a basic first aid kit with essential over-the-counter medications.

• 6

  Arrange a destination that can accommodate pets. Take along all veterinarian records and pet licenses.

• 7

  Power down the house before leaving. Disconnect the gas line and cut off the water main.