Protecting Yourself
The MOST IMPORTANT THING in the event of an emergency or evacuation scenario is to have a plan:
- Know where you will evacuate to and the best route to get there.
- Have supplies kit(s) ready to use and easily accessible (in cars, at home, and at work).
What do I do if an evacuation order has been issued?
First, unplug electrical equipment (IE: televisions, toasters, and microwaves).
- Turn off gas, electricity, and water to the house.
- If your city or municipality officials order a voluntary evacuation of the area it is up to an individual’s discretion whether or not to evacuate. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in your home/workplace, you should evacuate.
- Mandatory evacuations are designed to keep residents safe. In mandatory evacuation scenarios, residents must and should leave their homes and the area at risk.
- Follow these instructions to evacuate yourself and your family: https://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family.
- Plan ahead, and ensure all members of the household are aware of the plan and capable of executing it.
- Alert family members, neighbors, and local friends when you choose to evacuate to your planned destination. Communication can fail during disaster situations, so designate a person outside of the at-risk area to know what your plan is in case of communication failure.
- Be aware of when the possibility of evacuation increases. If evacuation seems imminent or likely, make sure to keep a full tank of gas in your car. As you evacuate, try and keep your tank half full to prevent running low on congested roads.
- Check other fluid levels in the car and tire pressure. Additionally, make sure the vehicle you are planning on taking is well maintained and capable of handling a long trip.
- Important documents to pack when evacuating
What should I pack in a supply kit?
General information on supply kits can be found here.
For home supply kits:
- Keep it in a designated place that everyone in the family is aware of.
- This kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days.
For work supply kits:
- One container that you can easily take with you in case you are evacuated from your workplace.
- Make sure you have food, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
For car supply kits:
- Kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies (such as snow chains)
What if I or someone in my household/workplace has special needs?
- Just as with any other safety precaution, having a clear plan is the best way to prepare for a disaster if you or a family member has special needs. Helpful tips and suggestions can be found here.
What if there is a baby or small child in my household?
Have an emergency supply kit for your child, kept in the same area(s) as your general kits. These kits should include:
- diapers
- wipes
- medications (if applicable)
- bottles
- formula
- water (for cleaning, and mixing with powdered formula)
- battery operated fan (children are more sensitive to extreme weather conditions)
- 3 days worth of baby food/a spoon
- blanket(s)