Evacuating? Some basic tips

[Grand Vol]

Evacuating because of a natural disaster? It's not just a Florida or a Texas thing. Natural or artificial disasters can strike at any location whether it be a hurricane or a Hazmat leak from an overturned train car which could prompt an evacuation. So, are you ready? Here's some basic tips on evacuating and "bugging out" in case of a disaster.

1. Be ready to go when the word comes. Too often, people will wait until the last minute to gather everything up to get going. And by that time, you're wasting time better spent on the road. Have kits ready to pick up and go along with family members.

1A. When it comes to kits, remember the basics even if you're just going over the river and through the woods to grandma's house. One never knows where they might end up and well laid plans to make it to a known refuge might not pan out for a variety of reasons. Pack only what is needed and little more.

1B. Packing list should include, but not limited to: clothing to include long sleeves and pants as a just in case, flashlights for everyone, snack type foods, more sustainable foods that don't require refrigeration that are prepared easily or meals that can be eaten cold, water, basic first aid kit to include OTC meds commonly needed (pain reliver, allergy meds, etc), and certainly to include prescription medications needed. Water for everyone should be in easy to drink containers and with the latest pack date possible. Take at least two weeks of prescription meds if possible since resupply might not be easy during the evacuation.

1C. Don't overpack. We're humans and have the inevitable desire to say "I have more space, let me cram in this, this and maybe get this in." Be realistic and pack only what is needed rather than what is wanted. Prepare to have to carry items and remember heavier loads will slow you down.

1D. Important documents like insurance policies, birth certificates, licenses, color pictures of ID/Driver License and so on should be scanned onto a flash drive that can be carried in a pack. Paper copies are important, but have backups to the primary documents.

1E. Hygiene is important during these times and baby wipes become worth their weight in gold. All told, it's nice to have a basic ditty bag of soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc, but for a quick wipe down, the travel baby wipe packs are king.

1F. Don't forget cell phone and device chargers to include vehicle chargers. When in a vehicle, always keep phones rotated and topped off to full charge.

1G. Cash is king during an evacuation. Don't depend on anyone having the ability to take a credit/debit card. Have cash in small denominations (5s, 10s, and 20s) for those times machines and data lines might be down. It's far easier to give cash for something you need rather than wish that plastic would work. I won't recommend a specific amount, but everyone has seen gas prices skyrocket during emergencies. Carry enough to pay when needed, but use credit/debit when available and never flash your cash to greedy profiteering folks as the price can (and will) get higher if they think they can get more from desperate folks.

1H. Be prepared to leave things behind. Have items prioritized into "carry in vehicle, carry on back, carry in hand." Take nothing you don't wish to lose that cannot be carried in a backpack or a sling bag. If your vehicle runs out of gas and you have to move on, know what you can do without and what you have to have.

And next post will be vehicle/travel prep.

 

[Grand Vol]

Emergency evacuations can be tough on vehicles. I'm just as guilty as others in not having my vehicle topped off or forgetting the jumper cables. But a lot of times, potential evacuation situations are seen days and weeks in advance. It's a lot easier to top off when that storm even shows a hint of turning towards your areas. But additional plans/prep:

2. Know your routes of travel to where you're going to include routes you might not typically take. A good rule of thumb is knowing three ways in, four ways out of anywhere you go. Typically, people evacuating will use the route of known travel which tends to be Interstates. However, having a paper road atlas and local maps with identified routes of travel in advance can be hugely helpful. US Highways, State Routes, county roads and surface streets can and often will offer faster possibilities of travel away. Don't get caught in traffic when you don't have to be. The Waze app is helpful as well, but can get bogged down with increased traffic. Again, have the paper backup to anything electronic and identify alternate routes.

2A. Have your vehicle ready to go when the time comes. If your vehicle needs to get topped off, consider alternate sources of fuel like your lawnmower gas can instead of waiting in long lines at local gas stations. If possible, take the most fuel efficient vehicle you have instead of the biggest meanest SUV that can climb over the trees blocking your path. If you get stopped in traffic, fuel will continue to burn and it's better to have a vehicle that sips rather than chugs gas.

2B. Don't overpack in a vehicle either. Increased loads in vehicles put more strain on the motor and in turn burn more fuel. Just because you have the space, doesn't mean you have to cram more stuff into that space. Be realistic in what you are taking and ask "do I really need it?" before packing it away.

2C. Get fuel when you can, but at realistic prices. The Gas Buddy app for smart phones is invaluable and can show you who has gas and at what prices. If your tank gets below half, it's time to fill up. It's better to top it off when it gets below 3/4s provided the prices aren't outrageous. Overall, get fuel when you can, where you can.

2D. Be wary of carrying fuel inside of vehicles. Emergency evacuations can (and often will) bring out the stupid in people. If your vehicle is equipped to carry fuel cans outside, use them. Lock them up, but carrying spare fuel inside a vehicle isn't always the wisest choice.

2E. Don't get aggravated in traffic. Traffic snarls can and inevitably will happen during an evacuation. Don't become part of the problem by screaming at other drivers or getting into road rage with other vehicles. Fender benders can (will) happen and there is no sense in taking frustrations out on others. Be as polite as possible, exchange insurance info and continue moving away from the emergency. Always follow directions from law enforcement/road crews during diversions even if it takes you off your planned route. Generally they are guiding you away from an area for a good reason and no sense in getting crazy about it.

And some final thoughts...

 

[Grand Vol]

Proper planning prevents poor performance as the old saying goes. Make plans now instead of waiting until it's "we need to move, right now!" time. Some additional thoughts.

3. Remember our furry and feathered friends. Nothing pisses me off more than when people leave animals behind during an evacuation when they could have taken them with them. Now, I understand life and limb during an extreme emergency, but if the time permits, and it often does, make sure pets are ready to go as well. Have an emergency kit for pets of food, water, medicines and a leash/crate ready to go. I have a seven day supply of food ready to go for the dog and all it'll take is rattling the car keys for her to be at the door ready to move. Others, cats for instance, get a little quirky when bad weather is approaching and might be a little harder to corral. Keep them in mind when planning to evacuate and get them crated up early.

3A. Listen to verified local and state sources for information. While we are in the middle of the information age, be wary of unverified sources on mediums like Facebook, Twitter and others. People can (and will) overreact to a situation and pass on information that might not be correct. Typically, your local news team, local and state emergency managers and leadership will give the best and most up to date information they have. Listen to EBS alerts as they come through. Emergency alert apps on smart phones are highly helpful as well. Heed these warnings. And be wary of passing on unverified information as it can induce panic.

3B. Morale is critical during an evacuation. While the primal instinct of "continue moving away from the danger" will creep in, take breaks as needed for food, fuel and just to get out of a cramped vehicle for a couple of minutes. It's hugely helpful for the morale of everyone to get out and smell the roses for a couple of minutes instead of staying trapped in a vehicle for 12 hours or more.

3C. Just because you thought it was the best place to ride it out, doesn't mean it's the best place to ride it out. If Irma has shown us anything, predicted paths of storms are anything but completely accurate. Provided, this is a storm that has been quirky since it started, but be wary of the path of storms as well as where else it could head. Those coming out of Florida thought Atlanta would be a safe bet. But Atlanta just issued its first ever Tropical Storm warning. And Birmingham looks to be in the path of Irma as it moves north. Always keep in mind a secondary evacuation might be in order and be ready to move again if needed.

These are just some general guidelines and I'd love for others to chip in with information and/or personal accounts of evacuations they've gone through.

 

[Septic]

Thanks GV, important info. This is nuts.

 

[Godfatha]

Also good advice for the zombie apocalypse

 

[txbo]

Good advice.