Commit to the Plan: How to Evacuate With Your Preps

Sometimes, you don’t get a warning when disaster is about to strike. However, there are occasions when you will get enough notice to decide whether to evacuate, such as a developing hurricane or severe weather predicted to move into your area. Here are some tips on making the most of that advance notice and taking your preps with you!

• Treat every advance warning of severe weather as a unique event. Too often, we tend to compare a new hurricane or severe weather event to the last one or prior history (especially with hurricanes), which may dictate how we respond to a new threat. This could be dangerous as you may underestimate the severity because “it’s never been that bad.” Base your response on the provided information, and stay on top of any new developments that may impact your plans. 

• Once you become aware of an event that might cause you to bug out, check your Bug-out bags and moveable preps. It may be enough to get you to leave for a day or two, which may only require your Bug-Out bags and a tote with some essentials. Or, something catastrophic, such as a hurricane or wildfire, may displace you for days, and you need to get whatever you can out of the house. Use this advance warning to arrange for those items – preps and otherwise – to be taken out of the house and to another location so you don’t lose them! 

• If you are Bugging Out to a family or friend’s house, contact them as soon as possible if you think you may have to head their way. Stay in touch as you monitor the situation. If you don’t have a place to go, now is the time to book a hotel out of the area and begin to move your items there. 

• Don’t have a car? Rent one or schedule in advance a ride-share (Uber, Lyft) out of the area. If you have things to take, request a larger vehicle or, if possible, contact a family member or friend who can come get you and whatever items you need to take. 

• • If you only have public transportation as a way out, ensure you have the most current schedules. In an event such as a hurricane, call or check their website(s) to see if they are changing their schedule or availability based on the weather event and plan accordingly.

• Make arrangements for your pets if they’re not going with you and have their vaccination information ready. 

• Ensure you have your ID and other important documents you may need now and after the disaster, such as insurance documentation and medical information. Have hard copies in case you end up in an area with no internet access. 

• MOST IMPORTANTLY: Don’t wait until the last minute! Once you decide to leave, STICK TO IT and immediately put your plan into motion. The longer you wait, the more you risk being unable to get that ride, room, train, or bus and move what preps you can. Give yourself every opportunity to evacuate on your terms, which will reduce your stress level in a very stressful situation.