Evacuation Tips for You and Your Family
Release Date: September 11, 2008
Release Number: 3294-009
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The state of Texas and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advise residents that if evacuation is necessary in your area for the approaching hurricane, it is critical that you and your family respond quickly and responsibly.
Having your own evacuation plan can be a big relief and could help you avoid paying a premium for food, fuel and accommodations and taking a chance on where your family sleeps at night.
Basic Evacuation Planning Steps
Here are three questions you should answer to get started:
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Where would you go? To get out of harm's way, you may need to go north, south, east or west. Pick a destination in each direction. Your primary destination could be with family or friends within the range of one tank full of gas. Stop-and-go driving could drastically reduce how far you can get on a tank of gas, so take that into consideration.
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Where would you stay? If you are with family or friends, certain comforts could be expected. Be sure to discuss this with your hosts ahead of time. Four families in a two bedroom house could be very uncomfortable. If you end up in a shelter, only very basic needs will be provided, and could be in short supply - but being safe is your first concern.
- What would you take with you? More on this later, but food and water, clothes and comfort and cash and documents are three prime categories. It is recommended that you plan to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
If you don't have reliable transportation of your own, you need to know more in advance about what options are available from your neighbors or local government. Your county emergency manager's office is the source for this information. What you can take with you are the same as above, but you are limited by how much you can carry.
Develop a Detailed Plan
Here is information you will need to know:
- Find out from your local Emergency Management Office about evacuation plans.
- Learn proposed evacuation routes and the locations of potential public shelters.
- If you do not have personal transportation, make arrangements with friends or find out what resources can be provided through your local government.
- Develop a Family Communications Plan
- Scale the plan: Do you need to evacuate your neighborhood, your community or the region.
- Share the plan with family members. Discuss what to do if kids are in school, if a parent is far from home, etc.
- Be sure you have all phone numbers: Work, school, cell phones and land lines, host family, friends, your local emergency management office and/or community evacuation resources.
- Have your transportation arranged
- Keep your car fueled if evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during an emergency, out of fuel or unable to pump gas during power outages. Check your oil and other fluids, tire pressure, spare tire, jack and other tools.
- Have a good road map. Evacuation routes may take you on unfamiliar roads.
- If driving with someone else, set meeting place, stay in touch to coordinate pick-up times.
- If using community transportation, find out where and when you need to arrive for pick-up.
- Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit
- Food and water for three days and/or special dietary foods.
- Toilet articles (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Prescription medicines, medical equipment and important medical records.
- Clothing for several days.
- Blankets, pillows, and towels (particularly if you may stay at a public mass care shelter).
- Identification and important papers.
- Checkbook, credit card and cash.
- Flashlights with extra batteries, phone chargers and extra phone batteries.
- Baby or pet supplies including special food, sanitary items and play items.
- Prepare to shut down your home or apartment
- Know how to safely shut off electricity, gas and water supplies at main switches and valves.
- Secure all loose yard items like lawn furniture, BBQ grills, bird baths, trash cans, planters, awnings, etc.
- Move valuable items to inner rooms or upper floors.
- Your home could be without power for an extended period.
- Check your refrigerator and freezer for perishable items.
- Unplug major appliances to avoid damage from lightning strikes or power surges.
- Consider obtaining and pre-drilling plywood to board up windows of your home.
What to do if Asked/Told to Evacuate
- Gather all persons in the household together.
- Household members outside the area may be advised not to return during an evacuation. They may be directed to a reception center or mass care shelter where you can join them. They should call you, or you call them, to be sure of everyone's status.
- Board up your home if you decide to cover outside windows.
- Turn off lights and unplug unnecessary appliances.
- Close and lock windows and doors. Close curtains and shades.
- Check with neighbors to see if they need assistance. Offer to share transportation.
- Notify others when you are leaving and where you plan to go.
- Load your Disaster Supply kit and all who are travelling together and leave.
- Do not call local fire or police departments for information. Emergency workers need their lines for emergency use. If you need special help, call your local Emergency Management Office.
- If you need a ride, go with a neighbor or contact your local Emergency Management Office.
More information about this disaster is available online at www.fema.gov or www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Saturday, 13-Sep-2008 12:57:49