How to Prepare for Evacuation
When evacuating from a hurricane or other natural disaster, it’s important to have a well-prepared emergency kit with all the necessary items. Here are some items you should prepare to take with you:
- Personal identification and important documents: This can include your driver’s license, passport, insurance information, and important medical documents.
- Cash and credit cards: ATMs and credit card machines may not be functional during a natural disaster, so it’s best to have cash on hand.
- Communication devices: Cell phones, portable radios and chargers.
- Medications: Make sure you have enough of any prescribed medication to last several days.
- First aid kit: Basic supplies such as bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers.
- Food and water: Pack enough non-perishable food and water to last at least three days. Also consider baby food and formula if you have small children.
- Clothing and bedding: Pack enough clothes for several days, as well as extra blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses.
- Flashlight and extra batteries: Hurricanes or other natural disasters can cause power outages and make it difficult to navigate in the dark.
- Tools and emergency equipment: This can include a flashlight, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, a multi-tool, a whistle, and a dust mask.
- Special needs: Consider any special needs for yourself or your loved ones, such as mobility equipment, hearing aids, or extra medication
- Pet supplies: If you have pets, make sure to pack food, water, bowls, leashes, and any necessary medications or documents.
It’s also important to have an emergency plan in place, you should know the evacuation route and the location of emergency shelters, it’s best to be prepared ahead of time.
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