Creating a Family Evacuation Plan is important. Every individual in your family has specific needs that should be met daily. When a disaster strikes, the amount of time to think about your needs is limited, as are resources. One way to avoid the stress of a disaster is to plan ahead by writing items in a journal that you, and others that depend on you, use on a day-to-day basis for one week. Remember, if a hurricane hits the Houston-Galveston region, electricity and running water could be out for more than one week. Consider these questions while writing your lists:
- Do you have a special needs person that is dependent on you, such as an elderly neighbor down the road, your aunt with alzheimer’s, a young child? Does this person have special items they need such as an oxygen tank, medicines, baby formula, etc? If they have equipment, do you know how it works?
- How will you prepare your home for high winds and flooding? Do you have a backup source for power (generator, extra batteries)?
- Will your communication devices, such as your cell phone, work during an emergency?
- Do you have pets? What do they need?
- Is your home within a zip zone that can be called to evacuate? If so what zone does it fall in? If you are in Zip Zone Coastal, A, B or C local officials can ask you to evacuate.
- What is the closest evacuation route you should take to reach your destination?
- Do you live close enough to your extended family that if they evacuate, you can leave together?
After you answer these questions, incorporate the answers into a checklist along with your emergency kit and the list of items you may need to purchase such as water, batteries, flashlights, nonperishable items, extra clothes, etc. Discuss the steps you would take leave your home with everyone that will depend on you in an evacuation. Remember if you have special needs persons, it make take more time. Have a plan. It can save you time and effort. Refer to FEMA’s website for more information on Family Evacuation Planning.