Evacuations in the U.S. are more common than most people realize, according to Disaster Assistance.gov. The most common causes are fires and floods. If a disaster or emergency happens that causes you to abandon your house, you probably won't have time to gather essentials and take steps to limit property damage. That's why the best course is preparing before a disaster strikes.
How to Get Ready Now
Here’s a list of things you should do now in case your home is in harm’s way:
Have a grab-and-go kit. Include essential supplies, such as water, food, and first-aid supplies.
Related: What to Put In Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
Have copies of important papers. Keep these in a plastic, waterproof case. FYI, this stuff is priceless, because you may need to prove who you are and that you own your house. Include:
- Your driver's license
- The deed to your house
- Proof of insurance
- Medical records
- Passports
- Social Security cards
- A list of personal contacts
Note that in 2021 FEMA began accepting more ways to verify home occupancy or ownership before providing certain types of assistance. Verification can now come from motor vehicle registrations, court documents, and additional forms of documentation, including letters from local schools (public or private), federal or state benefit providers, and social service organizations, such as community assistance programs and nonprofits. The agency has made other changes that affect assistance after a disaster.
Safeguard pets. Make sure they’re micro-chipped and have I.D. collars. Create pet grab-and-go kits that include leashes, medications, meal bowls, and three days' worth of food and water.
Prep your yard. Maintain your trees and shrubs so that diseased or weakened branches won’t fall down and damage your property.
Know your utility shutoffs. Learn now how to safely shut off all utility services in your home. Ready.gov has tips for shutting off electricity, water, and gas. If you turn off the gas for any reason, only a qualified professional can turn it back on. Never attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
Stockpile sandbag materials. If you live in a flood prone area, keep sandbags on hand or the materials to make them. It takes 100 sandbags to create a one-foot-tall wall that’s 20 feet long. If you’re filling bags on the fly, two adults can create the wall in about an hour.
Protect windows. If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, install shutters that are rated to provide protection from windblown debris.
When It’s Time to Evacuate
Before you pick up and go (and if you have enough time) follow these steps. They're designed to protect your pets and help prevent property damage:
Clear your yard. Remove any objects hanging on trees or your home’s exterior, such as birdhouses and wind chimes. They can break off in high winds and cause serious damage. Bring inside anything that’s not nailed down including lawn furniture, trashcans, toys, and garden equipment.
Shut off utilities. Turn off electricity, water, and gas. Doing so will help prevent additional dangers including flooding, fire, and explosions. You'll need the utility company to turn your gas back on when you return home.
Windproof windows and doors. If you don’t have stormproof shutters, fit plywood coverings over all windows.
Protect indoor stuff. Move valuables to higher levels in your home to prevent water damage. As an extra measure, wrap electronics and furniture in sheets, blankets, or plastic drop cloths.
Gather up pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay, it’s not safe for your pet. Make plans to for them to stay with friends or with you at a pet-friendly hotel. Most emergency shelters will only accept service animals that assist people with disabilities.
Lock your house. Because crooks and looters take advantage of evacuations, lock all doors and windows and don’t leave house keys in an obvious place, such as a mailbox.
Important Stuff to Remember
Whether the order is voluntary or mandatory, if officials in your area tell you to evacuate, you should do so before things get worse. Although laws vary from area to area, you may receive a hefty fine or face a jail sentence if you don’t follow a mandatory evacuation order.
Even more important, failure to follow an evacuation order can put your life in danger by leaving you stranded in an area with no basic services or food and water.
When you return home after an emergency, don’t use matches, lighters, or any sources of flame or spark until you’re 100% certain that you don’t have a natural gas leak inside your home. You'll need a gas company service technician to confirm that it's safe.
Stay Informed with Emergency Alerts
Smartphone technology has made it easier to get free disaster alerts. You'll automatically receive alerts if you have a phone capable of receiving wireless emergency alerts and your wireless carrier participates in the program. To find out if your mobile device is capable of receiving WEA alerts, contact your mobile device carrier or visit CTIA.