What Should I Bring to the Evacuation Shelter?
Be prepared for any emergency situations before you leave for an evacuation shelter. Most shelters are located in schools and do not allow alcohol or firearms. You should also remember that shelters can house young children. Make sure you bring a bag for your pet.
Plan ahead for an evacuation
When a hurricane threatens your area, it’s important to know where to go in case of evacuation. Before you evacuate, make a list with addresses and phone numbers. Also, make sure to map out alternate routes and backup routes in case your preferred route is closed. Also, be sure to leave a note in your home saying when you left and who you’ll call if you need assistance.
If you’re separated from family members, determine a meeting spot where you’ll be reunited and follow instructions from local officials. Designate an outside contact person to handle your family’s needs in case you are unable or unwilling to travel together. Once you have made your plans, make sure everyone knows about them. Print copies of your plans on waterproof paper if possible. Plans printed from home printers are not recommended as they don’t have waterproof ink.
It is important to evacuate your home as quickly as possible during an evacuation. Floodwater can cause you to be isolated from others and leave you stranded for days or even weeks before help arrives. Even if there is an evacuation shelter, you should evacuate as soon as possible. You don’t want your family to be trapped in an impacted area. You will need to climb the stairs to get back to your building. There is also the possibility that your elevators might be out of commission or damaged.
Prepare an emergency kit
It is a good idea for you to have an emergency kit in case you need it. You should have personal items, basic supplies, such as food and water, and an emergency kit. It should also have copies of your medical information and important phone numbers. It is also helpful to have a “to-go” version of your emergency kit.
The kit should be easy to carry and easy to retrieve. You should store it in a front-hall closet or a closet that is easy to access. If you have a large family, it is a good idea to make a few kits in different locations. To make it easier for everyone, you can divide the kits into backpacks. This will make the kits more portable, and it will allow each family member to customize their own.
Another important item to keep in an emergency kit is a pair of comfortable shoes. This is essential because you may not have the ability to wear shoes while you are in shelter.
Protect family records
You should protect your family’s records if you intend to travel to the evacuation shelter together with your family. These documents will allow you to recall your family’s evacuation plan in the event of a separation. You can arrange with an outside contact to be your family’s primary contact person in an emergency. You should not print plans from your home printer because it is not waterproof. Print your evacuation plan in written form if you can.
You should make two copies of important documents and keep them in a safe deposit box. You can also keep one copy at home and give another copy to an out-of-town friend or relative. You don’t know when they might be lost or stolen so it is important to keep copies.
Pack a bag for a pet
When packing a bag for your pet to go to an evacuation shelter, keep in mind to include his or her current vaccination records, ID, and any medication they may need. Newton also suggests that you take three days’ worth or more food and a collapsible container. It’s also helpful to bring familiar bedding, toys, and other items. A familiar environment can help pets calm down.
Natural disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. It is important to plan ahead if you live in an area at high risk. If your area is affected by an upcoming disaster, consider boarding your pet in a dog-friendly hotel or hiring a pet-sitter to watch over it. If you are unable or unwilling to take your pet, leave a key to your house.
Pet owners should make copies of important documents. You should ensure that your pet has a valid health card and documentation to prevent poisoning. Paper copies of these documents should be packed in a waterproof bag. A list of emergency contact information should be prepared, including phone numbers and addresses.