A hurricane or other severe weather event may force you and your family to evacuate your home, your city or even your parish or region. To prepare for such a situation, you should:
- Plan your route ahead of time and what transportation you will use
- Check your car, gas it up and carry an extra set of keys
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time.
- Plan for family members with special needs
- Plan for pets and livestock
- Bring along your Family Readiness Kit. Have 3 - 5 days of emergency supplies ready to travel.
- Bring CASH. ATMs and credit cards may not work
- Secure your home. Lock up and turn off utilities at the source
- Stay tuned to news broadcasts for traffic reports, updates and instructions
- Let family, friends and neighbors know how to reach you
- If evacuation is voluntary and trusted neighbors are staying behind, tell them your plans and leave a spare set of keys so they can check your property
- If the weather is cold, make sure pipes and plants are protected before leaving