Hurricane Evacuation Tips

In most cases, when a hurricane is headed toward a specific region, measures for evacuation are taken quickly and efficiently. When this happens, the question that many evacuees end up asking is, what do I do? Provided here is a checklist of some of the ways you can ensure that your valuables are not damaged, you get out safely, and you have no problems with the insurance company in regards to your property.

A Hurricane Evacuation Sign

• After collecting everything you will be taking with you, it is a good idea to secure any papers or photographs that are being left behind in plastic. It is easy to forget important things when you have to pick and choose through your belongings and having all papers and photos in plastic bags will save them from being destroyed by water damage.
• Separate the clothes you are taking with you from the rest of your belongings. A good idea may be to have a separate bag for each member of the household and store them in an out-of-the-way place such as a closet or pantry.
• Along with the aforementioned clothes, be sure you have everything you need in your hurricane evacuation kit. Things like extra cash, over-the-counter medicines, battery operated media outlets (TV or radio), flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable foods, toilet paper, and candles could really end up coming in handy.
• Before you leave your property, be sure to either take video of your property in its entirety or take detailed photographs. This will help speed up your insurance claim after the disaster.
• It is important that you know where you are evacuating to. If staying with family or friends isn’t an option for you, try finding a hurricane shelter or a hotel that you can afford for a good amount of time.
• If you have pets, be sure they also have a place to stay. Pet-friendly hotels and motels are few and far between, but there are always dog boarding kennels.
• To reiterate the point stated above, make sure you have cash on you. The power may end up going out in the area you evacuate to, and you don’t want to be stuck being broke just because the ATMs are down.