Evacuation Tips During a Disaster

In November of 2018, Ventura and Los Angeles County, California, saw one of it's most destructive fires, known as the Woolsey fire. Per wikipedia, 96,949 acres were burned and several buildings were destroyed. Several trails and private and public parks were damaged as well, including areas near the Malibu beach. Despite such devastation, due to the hard work of firefighters, safety officials, and the quick orders given to evacuate residents in the fire hazards zones, many lives were saved. Unfortunately though, three civilians did not survive.

It is very important to know when an Evacuation order has been given in your community in the time of such disaster and to know how to be prepared in case of such as emergency.

• Register on your county's website to receive emergency alerts. These emergency alerts might pop up as text messages or an emergency alarm if it's a greater emergency.

• Another way is to listen through television or battery-operated radio station which is delivering disaster news in your area.
• In many areas, the fire department as well as the police department will drive around with the speaker announcing to evacuate.

Evacuation can be a very stressful process, especially if you have children, pets or are caring for elderly.

Here are some tips that might help your evacuation go more smoothly and effectively if you prepare ahead of time.

• Have an emergency bag ready for each member of the household with everyday basic things.

Basic things include:

Water, Towel, soap, Toiletry kit, first-aid kit (see offer below) toothbrush, toothpaste, spare clothes, blanket, canned or dry food, pet supplies, spare medications, eyeglasses, flashlight, cell phone charger. If you have young children, be sure to keep some comforting toys, books. If possible also take your laptop or ipad/tablet with you.

• Have a list of phone numbers of friends and relatives and give them to the other members of your family as well.
• Have a family meeting before any disaster strikes about the exits in the house, who will be in charge of what.
• Discuss with your family in case any family members get lost, especially children, what they can do and who they can trust.
• If you friends in the neighborhood, also involve them in your plan and explain how important it is to stay together.

• Many people do not remember this in a state of emergency but documents such as Mortgage papers, Insurance policies, Tax forms, Title, Passports are crucial as well.

• If possible, have have health documents for you and your family, especially if you have an individual in the family who is experiencing any health issues.

Prayers for all those that have been affected by any natural disasters. Educating the community by preparing for such disasters is important as it helps safety officials to do their job and also might help many communities be prepared in case a disaster strikes and save lives in their community.