Evacuation Tips During a Disaster
Do you live in an area where an Evacuation is most likely to occur?
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.
Worldwide Natural Disasters
Although, the number of natural disasters have gone down in number from the year 2000 to present time, per 'Our World in Data', 282 natural disasters have occured worldwide in the year 2018.
Ways To Find Out if Your Area is Under Evacuation Order
- 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.
14 Natural Disasters
What is a Mandatory Evacuation Order?
A Mandatory Evacuation order is one in which your local and government officials have decided that your area is in an at-risk zone to where there is an emergency mandatory evacuation. When this order is given, it is very urgent to follow the proper protocols for evacuation.
Do you have an Evacuation Plan?
Evacuation Tips- Be Prepared Ahead of Time
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.
Don't Forget To Take Your Important Documents In Case of Emergency
- 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.
Disaster- Emergency Plan
Have you encountered any natural disasters in your area?
What type of disasters have you seen in your area in the past 10 years?
Disaster Distress Helpline
- Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a--year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This t
Final Thoughts
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.
© 2019 Aanvi