Decide where you intend to go, and plan your main route and alternates. Make sure
someone outside the area knows where you will go. If you will stay with family or friends,
make those arrangements.
Gather vital documents such as deeds, insurance papers, birth certificates, stocks and
bonds, legal papers, credit card and bank account numbers, and immunization records, and keep
these in a secure, waterproof container. Include photos, videotape or other record of your
valuables for insurance purposes.
In the same or similar container, put photos and other family items impossible to
replace.
Assemble your evacuation kit, which should include: Maps for your destination and contact phone numbers; small hand tools such as wrenches, pliers
and screwdrivers; a battery-operated radio and spare batteries; flashlights for every family
member and extra batteries; a manual can opener and utility knife; diapers, formula, baby
food, bottles, medicine; personal hygiene items; canned and ready-to-eat food; rain gear for
each family members; pet food and cat litter because you should not leave pets home alone
during a hurricane; a spare set of house and car keys; soap and liquid detergent.
In addition, you should take these items, which can be kept in a covered plastic trash
container, duffle bags or backpacks: pillows, blankets or sleeping bags; a spare pair of
eyeglasses or contact lenses; prescription medication; quiet games and books; the container
with your personal documents and family keepsakes.
Before leaving home:
Get cash and some change since banks and ATMs may might not be open or working.
Gas up your Fill your vehicles with gas.
Secure your home by boarding windows and anchoring or bringing inside loose items in the
yard.
When you leave, lock doors and turn off electricity and gas if instructed to do so by
emergency officials.
Unplug major appliances and electronics like televisions and computers.
Let your contact out of the area know you are leaving and where you are going. Have that
person be your family contact should you be separated.
Cover your pool filter and pump, and super-chlorinate the pool.
