Why Everyone Should Have an Evacuation Plan

Because of the current hurricane season people are paying attention to the concept of evacuation. Many may think that it is too bad all those people have to evacuate. Some even wonder why in the world people would live where they have to pick up and leave on a regular basis. Actually, everyone needs to be prepared to evacuate.

If you aren't threatened by hurricanes what about wild fires? Do you live near natural gas pipeline? A railroad? A major highway system? If you live near any of these then you certainly are subject to rapid evacuation if something goes wrong; such as the pipe line leaking or even, as recently happened not too far from where I live, blows up. Railcars or trucks carrying chemicals can tip over, releasing their dangerous cargo. Even though we think of California as earthquake central, all parts of the US are subject to possible earthquakes. No matter where we live we all need an evacuation plan.

If you live in the middle of a large city you may read this and decide I'm being silly saying everyone needs an evacuation plan. What possible reason could there be for someone in New York City or Chicago or Dallas to evacuate their home? When was the last time there was a news story in your city or town about an apartment building burning? Yesterday, last week, last month? Recently I'll bet.

If your building is on fire it is a given you need to get out as soon as possible. It is only later you realize the enormity of your loss if you were not prepared and the fire completely destroyed your apartment or condo. If you take steps well before such an event you may not have as much trouble putting your life back together.

1. Keep your purse or wallet where it can be grabbed immediately when you need to leave your home. That will keep some identification problems at bay.

2. Get a fire-proof file box. Make sure it can be carried in one hand. Store the critical papers you need for maintaining your life and identity. Wills, deed, passport, proof of insurance, birth certificates and other necessary papers should all be put in the box. The box should then be placed in a discrete place where you can grab it in an emergency. You might also want to put irreplaceable pictures in the file as well. Some cash wouldn't be amiss either. Don't forget to put the key to your safe deposit box in as well. This is also a handy place to keep a supply of any medications that you must take. Be sure to rotate the medicines so they are always up-to-date.

3. You do have a safe deposit box, don't your? If you think you don't need one because you don't have all that much in the way of worldly goods please reconsider. A safe deposit box is inexpensive and will hold critical papers you will need in the event your home is completely destroyed. Having deeds, wills, insurance policies, irreplaceable pictures and, again, some cash, safely stored off premises can help you cope with catastrophic loss.

If you live in an area subjected to hurricanes, wild fires, or other recurring disasters then you should seriously consider having your safe deposit box well away from the danger zone. Have it located to where you will probably evacuate to.

4. Practice before there is a catastrophe. If you have children they should be taught how to respond to catastrophic events that are possible in your world. Drills and practice sessions will help them know how to save themselves and perhaps others of their family. Tell them to leave immediately in case of fire. Set up a place away from the building for them to go to and wait for you.

5. It is an excellent idea to make sure children know what firefighters look like when suited up. There have been cases where children were scared by the appearance of the firefighters and hid from them leading to unnecessary risks and deaths. So find out how you can show your children what firefighters really look like when they are working.

6. A problem for many of us is what to do with our animals. You need a plan before a disaster happens. How are you going to get your pets out of harm's way? If you have large animals you need to make serious plans to evacuate sooner rather than later. Do you have trailers and tucks that can move your horses, llamas or other large animals? If not how are you going to get them to safety? Make plans now not when danger is imminent.

7. For your smaller animals have carriers and know how to get your animals into them quickly and safely. I know one cat that has to be loaded into his carrier backwards and upside down. This way he loads quickly and easily. Try to load him any other way and he will fight you, making it nearly impossible to get him in his carrier. Be prepared by learning how to get your animals in their carriers before you must. Have a stash of food, water and medications for your animals in a handy container that you can pick up and go.

No matter where you live implementing these simple steps can be helpful if you do have the misfortunate to suffer a catastrophe of any magnitude. May you never need them.