Evacuation Routes/Bug Out Plans

Evacuation Routes/Bug Out Plans

1)    Find out what your cities evacuation routes are and then go the opposite direction.  Most evacuation routes take you right through the danger zone.  Make sure that if you can get through to give yourself plenty of time in case of road blocks or traffic.  MAKE sure you have other options planned out and highlighted on you map.

2)    Routes – Mark your maps with driving routes, bicycle routes, motor bikes/quads, and especially walking routes.  Each route should be added to your city/state evacuation route maps. Each route should be marked in a different color on your maps.  You should also have a copy of the routes in your easily accessed 72 hour kit and in your vehicles.

3)    Put together an Evacuation Plan for every situation, Fire, Flood, Tsunami, Volcano, Earthquake, Freezing weather, and PLEASE make sure to involve your kids.  They talk about these things at school so they will hear about it. Plus the more the family prepares together, the better off you will be when an emergency does happen.

4)    Preparing your kids for Emergencies can be fun? Do some drills this summer. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes, tell your family they have to grab their emergency stuff and be in the car ready to go before time is up. The more practice for a Fire, Earthquake, Volcano, Flood, etc. The better and faster you will be when the time comes, plus everyone should be calmer since they would already know what to do.

5)    Emergency Communication Plan - This sheet has the addresses of your Home, School, Work, Daycare, along with In State and Out of State contacts. This should be kept under the phone or in an easy place to get to. Remind the sitter and your children where the Plan Sheet and supplies are, each time they are home alone.

6)    Make sure your kids and other family members have a Family Emergency Contact Card on them at all times. When Emergencies happen it is easy to forget a phone number or the people you need to call. Laminate them and have on in your child’s backpack, your car, purse, wallet, or anywhere else it maybe be handy!

7)    Have good shoes for walking or hiking available. You may need to hike out of some areas depending on the Emergency. (Extra Socks and Moleskin for blisters is a MUST. You may also want some foot powder on hand too)

8)    If there were an evacuation Local or out of State do you know where you are going? Do you have your routes marked on a map in different colors, back roads, rest stops, and place’s to refuel? If going to family/friends along the way; store some food and supplies with them. Helps them out and you in the long run. "You Can Never Be Too Prepared!"

9)    Money - when Emergencies happen banks may be unavailable or card machines may be down. If these things were to happen you will have to fall back on cash! It may be hard with the economy but keep at least $500 - $1000 on hand just in case.

10)  When you are saving your extra monies (cash) in case you can't use your cards. You should keep your money in small bills. Anything over a $10 or $20 may draw attention in an Emergency. Also if you do have $500 - $1000 saved in small bill at home make sure it is not all in the same place. Have several hiding places and remember where you those places are!

11)  Don’t be in a hurry or panic. Try to stay calm not only for your kids but for your own safety.  There are going to be a lot of scared unprepared people willing to do anything to get away from whatever situation may occur.  The more prepared you are the better you will handle yourself and the better you will take care of your family!

12)  Be grateful!!  Be grateful that you and your family are safe, prepared, knowledgeable, and have survived whatever may come.