In the face of an impending hurricane or natural disaster, knowing when to evacuate and how to prepare is critical. Local emergency management officials often advise, "Run from the water, hide from the wind," meaning if your residence is not at risk of flooding, it's generally safer to shelter in place rather than face the dangers of evacuating during the storm. However, rare situations, like the inland flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, may necessitate evacuation even for those away from coastal areas.
Plan Ahead for Evacuation
Preparation for an evacuation should begin long before hurricane season. This includes routine maintenance of your vehicle to ensure it’s in working order should you need to leave quickly. Hurricanes can sometimes form far away in the Atlantic and slowly approach the United States, giving some advance notice, but this is not always the case.
Additionally, always keep your gas tank as full as possible. Gasoline becomes scarce before and after a hurricane, with stations running dry quickly. If you have a safe place, like a barn or shed, store extra gasoline in safety cans equipped with flame arrestors. For gasoline that may be stored for more than 90 days, use a fuel stabilizer like STA-BIL 360 to ensure it remains usable in an emergency.
Packing for Evacuation
When it comes time to pack your vehicle, it's essential to plan carefully. Only take what you absolutely need for the journey—such as important documents, medications, basic food supplies, water, and emergency tools. Resist the urge to overpack with unnecessary items, as this will only slow you down and create clutter.
As you pack, organize your items in a logical way to make them accessible. For example, keep emergency repair tools and the cooler with drinks and food within reach. It's advisable to pack the cooler inside the vehicle to help the ice last longer, rather than in the truck bed where it may be exposed to the elements.
And one critical piece of advice from past storms: bring plenty of toilet paper. If you find a facility during your journey, it's likely that essential supplies, including toilet paper, will already be gone.
Planning an evacuation starts well before a hurricane is on the radar. By staying informed, maintaining your vehicle, and packing thoughtfully, you can reduce stress and improve your safety during an emergency evacuation.