Preparing for Disasters: Escape and Evacuation
In our previous article, we discussed how vital and important a family plan is during a disaster or emergency.
When disasters or emergencies strike communities, many times it is unsafe for residents to remain in their communities. When community evacuations become necessary, local officials may provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the threat. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.
Escaping From Your Home
Emergencies in your own personal home are a very real danger and possibility. Whether they be from a fire, floods, earthquake, or armed conflict, escaping from your own personal residence is a primary importance for a family.
Threats can impact your home, preventing the safe escape. These threats might include:
1. Fire
2. Water from floods that block ground floor openings
3. Earthquakes where debris or collapse may prevent escape
Protect Your Families Escape from Home Disasters or Conflict
• Having alternate routes of escape from your home is critical.
• All family members, including children, should be able to identify several ways to exit from the home
• Establish escape routes. Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child’s room. Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
Once escape from a home is successful, the next challenge families face if the possibility of community and/or regional evacuations. Know how your community is prepared to respond to emergencies. Ask local authorities about evacuation routes and if your community has disaster/emergency plans. Ask for a hard copy of the plan and also inquire how often the plan is updated, what hazards it covers, and any other details you may think of.
Local and/or Regional Evacuation
Things to remember when you are about to evacuate your home include:
• Shut off all utilities if you have enough time before evacuating.
• Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas. Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home.
• Water becomes a vital resource during a disaster, so it is important to locate the cut-off valve outside the house and turn it off.
• Electrical sparks can ignite natural gas leaks, so make sure everyone knows how to shut off the electricity.
If you choose to use a vehicle during evacuations:
• Keep a full tank of gas in your car if you think you may have to evacuate. Place your emergency kits and supplies in your car.
• Only take one car per family to reduce congestion on evacuation routes.
• If you do not have a transportation plan, and need assistance, immediately call your local emergency and transportation officials.
• Always follow your local officials’ emergency evacuation plan and instructions and do not take shortcuts. Other routes may be blocked during emergencies.
If you have only moments before leaving:
• Grab the following items and go:
1. First aid kit, including prescription medications, dentures, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.
2. Disaster Supplies Kit basics and Evacuation Supplies Kit. (See Articles 5 and 6 for detailed information about emergency kits and supplies)
3. A change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member.
4. Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend’s or relative’s home that are your pre-designated meeting places).
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