What to Take With You During an Evacuation
There’s a big hurricane coming; your local community leaders warned you to take precautions and evacuate your home as soon as possible. When preparing to leave, don’t forget to pack only the necessary things you may need while away from home. Here is a list of things you should bring when evacuating.
If You Have Time To Prepare:
It would be really helpful to have an evacuation plan. Find a safe place to go to when you leave the house. Make a short list of all the important items you may need. This way you wouldn’t forget anything on your way out.
Water. A gallon per family member is good, but it’s better if you can bring more. Make sure you have enough water to last you a few days.
Food. Bring packed food that don’t need to be refrigerated or cooked.
First aid kit.
Bandages
bandage scissors,
antiseptics, like Betadine
medicines
copies of prescriptions
medical devices, like crutches, prostheses, dentures, inhalers, eyeglasses
Clothes. Choose clothes that are comfortable. You’re not going on vacation, so take the right kinds of clothes with you. Pack enough clothes to get you by for at least a few days.
Sleeping bags and blankets
Flashlight
Battery-powered radio
Batteries
Cash, credit cards or checkbooks
Jewelry
One of your child’s favorite toys
Pet, pet food and leash or carrier if you can
Important Documents:
Identification Card and Driver’s license
Social Security Card
Insurance policies
Marriage certificate
Birth Certificates
Investment certificates
Wills
Copies of recent tax returns.
If You Don’t Have Enough Time To Prepare:
Here are the basic things you’ll need:
Food
Water
First aid kit
Clothing
Sleeping bags and blankets
Flashlight
Batteries
Cash, credit cards, checkbooks
Tips:
Focus. An emergency situation is stressful already. Don’t waste your energy on unnecessary fears and worries. You know that you’re well prepared. There’s no reason for you to panic.
Bring clothes that can protect you from bad weather, like jackets, socks, and sturdy shoes.
Don’t forget to pack medications and other medical equipment that any one of your family members is using.
Before leaving the house, make sure you know the instructions given by your local officials. Watch the TV or listen to the radio, if possible. If not, try to contact your community leaders or ask friends who might know.
None of us want to think about disasters that may happen to us, but it’s better to be always ready when one comes along. You don’t want to get caught unprepared, right?