In recent years, there’s been an influx of natural disasters across the globe. From hurricanes and tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires, these events often give you little time or no warning to prepare. Having a home evacuation plan is an important aspect of navigating a catastrophic event, as it can help you evacuate quickly and safely. We’ve assembled six strategies to consider when creating your plan.
1. Plan your exit strategy ahead of time. To help minimize the impact of a catastrophic event, consider identifying more than one evacuation destination and mapping out how you’ll get there. Take time to sit down as a household and:
2. Build an emergency kit. A grab-and-go kit should be placed in one or two portable containers such as a duffel bag, backpack or plastic bin. Be sure to periodically check and replenish expired items. A basic emergency kit could include any of the following items:
3. Create a list of items to take. The severity of the event will determine how much time you have to gather items. Preparing a list of items and where they are stored can save time and reduce stress and anxiety. Items to consider are:
4. Gather important documents. You’ll want to include documents that will help verify information, confirm your identity and assist with recovery efforts, such as:
5. Create a home inventory list. An inventory list can prove helpful when applying for recovery assistance. The list should include item descriptions as well as model and serial numbers, if applicable. It is also beneficial to take pictures or a video of each room in your home. Doing so, can:
6. Prepare your home. The nature of your preparation will depend on the type of catastrophic event that occurs. Some examples may include the following:
An organized evacuation plan is an important tool to protect you, your home and your family against catastrophic events. It can eliminate confusion, injury and property damage. Take the time to develop a plan that is specific to your area and incorporates the needs of you and your family. To learn more about the natural disasters in your area, how to prepare for them and other valuable resources, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s website.