Fall is the time of year where a multitude of disasters — hurricanes, floods, wildfires and others — can occur, and citizens should have a plan and be ready to evacuate if necessary. There are three keys to getting prepared: having a plan; having a kit; and being informed.
Here are tips that can make a difference during a disaster:
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Remember, you may have to get out on foot depending on the type of disaster. If you don’t have a car, or can’t use your vehicle, plan on how you will leave the area.
• If you have a car, keep the gas tank full if an evacuation order is possible. Don’t let the tank go below half-full in case gas stations are unable to pump gas.
• Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. This could be a motel, the home of a friend or relative a safe distance away, or an evacuation shelter. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to find shelter information and weather and emergency alerts for more than 35 different situations.
• If you have time, let someone outside of the region know you are evacuating and where you are going. Leave a note saying when you left and where you plan to go.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection.
• Be alert for road hazards such as downed trees, flooding, etc. Do not drive onto a flooded road.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Grab your emergency kit and drive your planned evacuation route. Include an alternate route in a different direction in case one is impassible. Make sure you have locations and maps saved on devices such as cellphones and GPS units and on paper.
• Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for them either. Prepare a phone list of pet-friendly motels and animal shelters located along your evacuation route. Keep in mind only service animals are usually allowed in shelters.
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