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What
to Do if Evacuation Is Necessary Because of a Storm If you are
advised to evacuate or if you think it is appropriate to evacuate, you should:
• Leave as soon as possible, preferably in daylight. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Evacuation will probably take longer than expected. Give yourself plenty of time. • Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off the electricity and the main water valve. This will reduce potential damage to your appliances from power surges and to your home. • Tell someone outside the storm area where you are going—(the out-of-town contact you identified in your Family Disaster Plan). Relatives and friends will be concerned about your safety. Letting someone know your travel plans will help relieve their fear and anxiety. • If time permits and you live in an identified surge zone or area prone to flooding, move furniture to a higher floor. Moving valuable furnishings helps reduce the potential for damage. • Bring your Disaster Supplies Kit, including warm protective clothing. People frequently arrive at shelters or hotels with nothing. Having these items with you will make you more comfortable. While shelters provide a safe place to stay and food, specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets may not be available. It may be several days before permission is given by local authorities to reenter an evacuated area. • Lock your home and leave. There may be individuals evacuating after you, or returning before you. Police may be busy with storm-related emergencies and not able to patrol neighborhoods as usual.
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