Many people live in areas prone to natural disasters. Being prepared and organized is the key to overcoming stressful moments such as a mandatory evacuation. Do you have a plan? You should. I suggest having as much of this information organized in such a way where it is ready to go at a moment’s notice. Why? So that you can stay calm in the event that you ever have to put it into action.
– Things to Do in Preparation –
- Fill Vehicle w/full tank of gas
- Have evacuation plan (taking any pets into consideration)
- Have batteries for any flashlights/communication devices on-hand
- Backup your computer
- Document your property & contents for insurance purposes
- Charge your electronic devices & mobile phone
- Fill sealable plastic bags with water and stuff in freezer
- Turn fridge and freezer temps to maximum cooling
- Inspect your property and pull in any lose furniture/trash/gardening/decorative items that could pose a projectile hazard in high wind storms
- Finish any outstanding laundry/dishwashing if necessary & there is time
- Fill your bathtub with water if you have well water and prepare buckets to assist with flushing the toilet
- Secure windows and shutters; plywood can help maintain the integrity of the glass, preventing it from airborne projectiles during high winds
- Fill plastic cup with water & freeze overnight; place penny on top once frozen and store in freezer (if penny drops, and then water refreezes, you know power has been off for a significant amount of time once you’ve returned home if evacuating)
- Use sandbags/towels (inside) as a line of defense for any water that may push in against sliding doors/windows
- Move items away from windows if possible
- Shut off electric & other utilities such as gas/water/unplug items from outlets in case of resulting power surges/infrastructure damage & interruption
- Notify family/next of kin as to your storm plans
- Gas for any generator
- Trim & remove any dead branches/greens that look weak and could become airborne
- Rake leaves away from storm drains
- If you own a pool, empty it halfway and add additional chlorine to compensate for anticipated rainfall
– Important Items to Take –
- Medication (prescription or other for things like headaches)
- Insurance documents
- Banking documents
- Important title/deed-related documentation
- Employment/any business-related fiscal documents
- Utility documents
- Computer backups
- Cash
- Suitcase with appropriate mix of clothes & toiletries
- Cell phone & charger
- Flashlight & Batteries- Optional Items to Take –
- Digital Camera
- Laptop (if you have one)
- Any family photos/videos/documents that may hold sentimental value
– If Not Leaving: Things to Have On-Hand –
- Water for drinking/light bathing
- Canned Food
- Bread
- Crackers/Granola Bars/Chips/Cookies
- Cereal
- Vitamins to help ensure nutrition
- Medication (prescription or other for things like headaches)
- Safe place to be in the event of structural damage
- Flashlights/battery powered lanterns (candles are not suggested)
- Generator
- Cash
- First Aid kit
