It's hard to believe that it's already hurricane season, and it's even harder to believe that this season is expected to be as bad or worse than last year's, when hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma hit. We're here to help you get ready, but instead of giving you the usual "flashlight and first aid kit" list, we're going to give you a few details that will help you and your family plan an efficient evacuation if a strong hurricane is coming your way.
In an emergency, time is one of the most important things to have, and in an evacuation, time is even more important. When the order to leave comes, all you want to do is leave. Two things happen when people leave in a safe and quick way. First, it gets you and your family out of the way before there is a huge traffic jam. Second, if enough people evacuated early, the traffic jam won't be as bad for those who didn't prepare as well as they should have.
Let's look at a few ideas that will save you a lot of time and help keep your family safe if you have to leave your home. In keeping with this theme, let's use the word "S.A.F.E." to talk about shutters, accessories, fuel, and getting out of the way before a hurricane.
- "Accessories" refers to both your everyday items and your emergency supplies. One way people waste time is by waiting in line at the store for things they should already have, like food and water. You should always have enough food for two to four weeks at home, including food for your pets. You should also keep rotating your stock so you don't have a separate stash that goes bad and gets lost. Also, if you get everything you need ahead of time, you help other people who are making last-minute trips to the store by getting out of their way. Also, you should have enough food and water on hand for after the storm, when stores will be closed or empty and you won't have the time, money, or gas to go shopping.
- Shutters. Get the materials you need today. If you want to protect your windows and doors before you leave, get the materials you need now and get ready so you can put these shutters up on your own. For example, if you want to use plywood, you should already have it cut (so it fits and is easy to handle) and labelled so you know which opening it goes over. Have small hooks over each window and matching holes in the plywood so you can hang the shutters by yourself while you drill in the screws. During an emergency, you shouldn't spend time and money getting things you should already have, and you shouldn't keep other people busy doing things that one person could do.
Next, keep a "Bugout Kit" with a "last-minute list" ready to go at all times. During an evacuation, you should grab your kit and any last-minute things you couldn't pack ahead of time (like medications that go bad quickly, etc.) and get out the door. Your kits should be cheap, used backpacks or wheeled suitcases, and they should be packed as if you were going on a two-week trip with only "carry-on luggage." Bring what you need, but don't bring too much. Also, you need hard copies and computer discs of important documents like insurance papers, home inventories with photos, child ID kits, etc. You can only get your life back in order as quickly as possible if you have your paperwork with you. (Visit www.redcross.org or www.ready.gov for the basics. Send us an email at [email protected] and ask for a "Last-Minute List."
- Fuel. Always keep the gas tank in your car full. Forget everything you've heard about the "half-tank rule," and make it a habit to fill up your tank about three times a week, even if it only needs a gallon or two. When it's time to go, you don't want to waste time waiting in line at a gas station that might not have gas when you get to the pump. Also, keep a 5-gallon gas can instead of a 1-gallon one if you have gas-powered lawn equipment at home. This will let you fill up your gas tank before you leave.
- "Get out of the house" is not the same thing as "evacuate." In this short article, we'll talk about where you're going. Set up your evacuation destination today, and choose one that gives you the best balance of safety, convenience, and cost. Choose a place that will keep you safe from the storm but is still close enough that you can get back home quickly. We recommend staying with a friend or family member because you'll save money and get to spend time with people you care about. Weigh your options, but make your decision now so you'll be sure to have a place to stay. This place should be a big part of your plan. (Send us an email at [email protected] to get a list of criteria for a destination.)
Use these tips to make plans for your family's evacuation today. If you plan now, all you'll have to do when the hurricane is coming is act. Time is so important.
