Check Before You Go

As part of implementing your family's evacuation plan, there are several tasks you should take care of before you go:

• Per your evacuation plan, know where you are going and have alternate routes to get there.
  
  
• Turn off your home's utilities (if possible).
  
  
• Post a note on you front door.
          - Tell when you left.
          - Tell where you are going.
          - Give a number where you can be reached or that of a
            contact person.
  
  
• Make contact with a family or friend out of state and tell them your plans.
  
  
• Take your "To Go" Kit.
  
  
• Take your "Financial First Aid Kit."
  
  
• Take your pets or have arrangements for their care.
  
  
• Check on senior or special needs family members and neighbors.
          - Offer to help them escape.
  
  
• Fill your automobile's gas tank.
  
  
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
  
  
• Fill your clean water containers.
  
  
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
  
  
• Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
  
  
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
  
  
  
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
  
  
• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
  
  
• Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.
  
  
• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
  
  
• Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
  
  
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
  
  
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.
  
  
• Take only essential items with you.
  
  
• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
  
  
• Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
  
  
• Make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready.
  
  
• Follow the designated evacuation routes—others may be blocked—and expect heavy traffic