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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEvacuation Preparedness BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE If you were told to evacuate, where would you go and what would you take with you? Every family needs to think about this very seriously. First where are you going? Make some definite plans - -have some money saved to finance the trip. Think of the cost of travel, food, and lodging when making your plan. Then what will you take with you? Sometimes there is enough warning that you have time to think about what to take but even then you need to know exactly what is most important for your family. Why not sit down right now and make a plan of what you want to save. There will not be enough room to take it all unless you move out. What are the most important things that you own that you could take? Care- fully think through your possessions. Clothes might be on the top of the list. Plan for enough for several days. Papers that cannot be replaced. The most important should be in a safe deposit box but there are others that you do keep at home. Are they organized where you can pick them up easily? There will not be enough time to sort through a bunch of papers. What about medicines that you or some member of the family has to take regularly? Is there enough on hand to last for several days or do you need to have the prescription refilled before you leave? This will have to be a last minute preparation - -but if it is on your list to do, you will not forget it in your rush. What about small valuable possessions like jewelry or silver? Or maybe a very small piece of furniture. There are so many things in your home that simply cannot be replaced - -but with careful planning you can protect many of them. Sherilyn Bailey Rural Civil Defense Specialist IF EVACUATION IS NECESSARY Texas and other coastal states are quite vulnerable to nature's forces in the form of hurricanes, particularly during the autumn season. It may sometimes become advisable to evacuate your home, depending, of course, upon the location and severity of the storm. If this is necessary, here are some tips which may help you make the best of the situation for your home and family. Before you leave, make sure that all heating appliances including irons, gas stoves, toasters, hot plates, and so forth are disconnected. Shut off the feed line valve from the butane tank if you have one. Know where to turn off the main incoming water valve to your home if local health authorities direct you to do so. If you do turn off the water, you should also turn off the gas or electricity which supplies your hot water heater. If it looks as if your food freezer will be stopped for longer than a day, it would be well to add dry ice if you can get it. Fifty pounds will keep the temperature down to 15° F. for about two days in an average -size freezer. Close all windows and doors and board them up securely or put storm shutters in place. Use good lumber and have strong bracing for outside doors. Makeshift boarding may do more harm than no boarding at all. Remember to leave one window or door which can be opened on the side of the house which is not facing the wind. Check everything which could be blown away or torn loose, including garbage cans, signs, lawn furniture, awnings, and garden tools. Store as many of these items as possible inside buildings. It is also important that you have gasoline in your car. Filling stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days if the electric power fails. Include all members in the planning and preparation for leaving since evacuation is a family affair. Time will be short, so make a list of everything you will need to take and keep It where everyone can use it. - 2 - Inform the children of your plans and assign each family member specific responsibilities. Here are some items which you will want in your list of necessities when evacuating. Use easy -to- prepare foods and those which require little or no cooking or refrigeration. Be sure to consider your family's favorites as well as special food needs such as baby food and special diet food. Also remember to include adequate supplies of equipment for cooking and serving meals. Clothing needs can be met with warm, comfortable clothes and at least one complete change of clothing for each family member. You will want to see that garments are easy- fitting and are made of easy -care fabrics. Comfortable, sturdy shoes such as loafers with thick soles will be in order. If there is a baby in your family, don't forget disposable diapers. For the whole family, rubber boots and gloves will protect against water and possible electric shock. Personal grooming supplies such as shaving equipment, tooth paste, soap, and paper towels must not be forgotten. Let each of the children in your family choose one or two toys which they want to take with them. Let them be responsible for getting them in the car when you prepare to leave. Above all, remember to keep calm. Never pay any attention to rumors, but keep listening to your radio for instructions and information on the storm. If you and your family are able to meet emergencies courageously, most likely you will then be a real inspiration to others to do likewise. Patsy Anne Reynolds Specialist in Family Life Education FAMILY EVACUATION PLANS Evacuation in times of natural disaster is a family affair. There are things you will do to prepare your house and property. There are also things you can do to prepare the members of your family, especailly the children. Time will be short when you leave. You will want to take only those very important things which you need and want with you. You may forget something very important such as the baby's asthma medicine in a last minute rush. Unnecessary things are often taken in haphazard packing. Children are sure to be upset and afraid if they don't know what is happening. They will be more secure if you discuss your family plans with them now and give all but the small baby something to do. Plans will be made by mother and father but all the family can add their ideas. Small children need to know that they may take only one or two toys with them. Let them choose the ones they'll take and put them in the family car when you prepare to leave. Older youngsters may be responsible for packing extra clothing or food for the trip. They may even be responsible for getting younger children ready to leave. Hake a list of everything you would need to take. Keep it where everyone can use it. Then when you begin to evacuate keep calm. Children become upset when they see their parents upset. Let them help you watch for road signs or read road maps. They like to help their family in time of trouble.