We’re in the middle of a very active hurricane season and at the end of a hot, dry summer that has created many wildfires across the West. 2020 has shown us to expect the unexpected, from a worldwide pandemic, to murder hornets and Australian wildfires, there is no telling what might happen next.
There are an abundance of emergency scenarios that could displace you from your home, and so it is best to be prepared for the worst. You want to make sure that should the worst happen and you are unable to ever return to your house, that you are not completely out of luck. This means creating a house evacuation plan.
Plan before you need a plan
Being fully prepared for an emergency situation is only useful if you are prepared before the emergency. Having a plan in place without an immediate danger from a situation can help you to pack more efficiently and helps make sure that you don’t forget anything. Identify where you can go, map out evacuation routes and have a list of things you need to pack ready in advance.
Have a “go bag”
One of the best things to include in your house evacuation plan is packing a “go bag.” This is a bag that you can pack and just leave somewhere, so if the occasion arises that you need it, you do not have to waste any time with packing it. Some popular items to include in your go bag would be needed prescriptions, a couple change of clothes, a first aid kit, flashlight and other emergency kit items.
You’ll want to make sure that your go bag includes items for everyone in your household, including pets and children.
Have all important documents on hand
If your house was to burn down, you’re going to want to make sure you have all of your important documents with you. Your important document list can include but is not limited to: Prescriptions, birth and marriage certificates, passports, driver licenses, social security cards, insurance policies, wills, deeds and all types of financial documents.
These can be the actual documents or just copies of them. In case you need to use your house evacuation plan, it is best to keep them in a fireproof safe or vault that is waterproof as well. This safe can be where you keep photographs that are irreplaceable and that you wouldn’t want to lose.
Prepare your house
You’ll want to make sure that you know the utility shut-offs to your house. This way you can safely shut off gas, electric and water and help your home better withstand the emergency. Clearing out your yard so that debris doesn't crash into your home or weak branches poke through windows can also be a good idea.
Before enabling your house evacuation plan, make sure that you also elevate everything off the ground that can rust or deteriorate. It would also be in your best interest to brace all openings in the house like windows and doors. Preparing your house best ensures that you have a home to come back to.
Civil Dispatch
Civil Dispatch makes your safety a priority. We can help you and your family prepare for any emergency scenario that comes your way. Get alerted to local weather conditions and neighborhood break ins to stay safe and prepared.