From the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes:
Have an evacuation plan
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation with everyone in your family.
- Know where you will go if an evacuation is called.
- Review at least two exit routes from your home or neighborhood to a designated meeting place for your family.
- Don’t forget about your pets; most public shelters will only allow service animals. A pet shelter will be set up. Be sure to bring their current vaccination & veterinary records, medicines, registration information, and comfort items, special foods.
Pack your bags
- After a disaster, you may not be able to return to your home for some time.
- Assemble everything your family will need in advance if you must evacuate your home.
- Pack one change of clothes and shoes per person as well as one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- Create a first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
- Pack important documents including a picture id and proof of residency (e.g. a utility bill with your address). Write down the name of your insurance company, policy number and telephone number and keep it in a safe place.
- Include an extra set of car keys, your credit cards, cash. Don’t forget your important emergency contact numbers.
- Pack sanitation supplies and special items for babies, senior citizens or disabled family members
- Bring extra eyeglasses and a favorite family board game to help pass the time away from home.
If you must evacuate
Before You Go
- If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
- Post a note telling when you left and where you are going; include a contact phone number.
- Don’t forget about your petsand be sure to lock your home.
Evacuate Immediately
- Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.
- Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
- Wear layered warm, dry clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Be sure to take your disaster supply kitwith you to a shelter or safe location. Use travel routes specified by local authorities — don’t use shortcuts.
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