How to evacuate safely when a hurricane is threatening
The key to surviving a hurricane is having an emergency evacuation plan prepared ahead of time. (National Weather Service Office Tallahassee / contributed)
As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, Alabama NewsCenter is helping you be prepared for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season that begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.
Do you live in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane? If so, you need an evacuation plan. You and your family need to know where to go and how you would get there.
[vimeo 334528483 w=640 h=360]Develop an Evacuation Plan from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Make a plan
5 Things to Know About Having an Evacuation Plan (contributed)
To survive a hurricane, you must first make a plan. Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or others in your household.
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route? (Have at least two options.)
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
You should also check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and update your emergency plans to follow advice regarding the coronavirus. The CDC suggests you have disinfectants and cloth face coverings for everyone over 2 years old and check your sheltering plan.
Consider specific needs in your household
As you prepare your plan, tailor it to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss how people in your network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs, such as operating medical equipment.
Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your plan:
- Different ages of members within your household.
- Responsibilities for assisting others.
- Locations frequented.
- Dietary needs.
- Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment.
- Disabilities or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment.
- Languages spoken.
- Cultural and religious considerations.
- Pets or service animals.
- School-aged children.
You should identify a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination.
Fill out a family emergency plan
Everyone in your family should know what to do in the event you need to evacuate. (contributed)
Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.
Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)
Practice your plan
You and your family should discuss and practice your evacuation plan. That way everyone knows what to do in an emergency, even if you are separated from family members.
As hurricane season approaches, listen to local officials on questions related to how you may need to adjust any evacuation plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and local officials.
Additional resources
For help in creating your emergency plan, consider these resources:
- Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF).
- Family Communication Plan Fillable Card (PDF).
- Emergency Plan for Families.
- Emergency Plan for Kids.
- Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF).
- Pet Owners.
- Family Emergency Communication Planning Document (PDF).
- Family Emergency Communication Plan Wallet Cards (PDF).
- Know Your Alerts and Warnings (PDF).
- Protect Critical Documents and Valuables (PDF).
- Document and Insure Your Property (PDF).
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (PDF).
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Disaster Checklist (PDF).
