Create an evacuation plan for your home

Having an understanding ahead of time about what could happen will greatly reduce stress during a time when it's most important to be calm.

Decide on the following
Once you have the answers to the following scenarios and questions, you can build your plan.

• A meeting place and a backup meeting place near your property or in the area.
• The safest routes inside your own home to evacuate.
• A plan for your pets to transport and feed them.
• Choose which car (or cars) you will take. Try to make a habit of making sure the cars you choose have a full gas tank.
• Decide how often will you review and practice the plan with your family.

Consider including these steps to your plan
Only if time permits.

• Lock doors.
• Close windows.
• Shut off utilities.

Things to always keep in mind

• Keep your distance from downed power lines.
• Look out for washed-out or blocked roads and bridges, and never drive into flooded areas, as these waters can be deceptively deep and powerful.
• Adhere to evacuation routes.
• If you receive instruction to evacuate, do not ignore it. You may put yourself at risk if you do not heed instruction.