Emergency Preparedness: How to Make a Hurricane Evacuation Less Stressful

Most people do not have a plan ahead of time about what they would do if a hurricane threatened your area. Many people play it by ear and later realize that they should have had a definite plan to help ease the stress of running from a natural disaster that can change lives of so many in a few short hours.

The first thing a family should do at the beginning of hurricane season is decide where they would go if a major hurricane threatened your area. Plan an evacuation route using maps or the internet on the best way to leave the area would be. Also, it would be safe to map a few different routes just in case your first one would be closed for some reason. Notify your friends and family of where you are going just in case something comes up and someone needs to get in touch with you.

While you are planning out your escape route, your family also needs to think about any animals that you may have in your home. While you do not want to leave your pet home, keep in mind that most shelters will not take pets. Decide where you are going to take your pets and be sure to bring extra food, water, and supplies for the animals.

Another good idea is to provide an out of town friend or family member with phone numbers of relatives or friends that you might want to let know that you are safe just in case you are not able to call them personally. Leave this person contact information including name, phone number, relationship, email address, etc so if needed they can call your loved ones and let them know that you are fine.

Before the hurricane season starts, assemble a disaster kit that can quickly be picked up and packed in your vehicle if you do end up evacuating. This kit should include non perishable food, canned foods, a non electric can opener, bottled water, clothing, bedding, flashlight, batteries, prescription medication, first aid kit, maps, and a battery operated radio. Also, you may want to purchase a waterproof container that you can store important documents in. These documents could include drivers' license, social security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage certificates, wills, etc.

Assemble a small kit for any animals you may be taking with you. This kit should include food, water, collar with identification tags, medication, cage/carrier, leash, and litter pan if needed. Also to keep the animal entertained you might also want to want to bring toys for the animals.

Before you do pack up and leave, make sure to prepare you home the best you can. Bring in all lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants, or other items that may be carried away by the wind. Be sure to close all windows and doors. If you have hurricane shutters or decide to apply plywood be sure to place these over the windows before you leave.

When you have everything ready to go, be sure to listen to local media and authorities to find out the best evacuation routes. Also keep in mind that during a large scale evacuation, authorities may close down major roads to make it a one way road out of the town or the state. If this happens, follow suggested routes by authorities or look at your alternate routes that you have planned out.

After the danger has passed try to contact someone in your area or watch local news reports to make sure it is safe to go back. Even after the major portion of a hurricane has passed, it can still produce major weather issues including tornados or flooding.

The main thing is to make your evacuation less stressful and safe for you and your loved ones. I hope this article helps relive some of the stress of remembering what to do while planning for an evacuation.