The Importance of Evacuation Plans

If you've been following me for a while, you know my primary goal is to stay put in my house during emergencies. It's where our supplies are, it's comforting, and it logistically makes sense for most situations. However, there are times when evacuating might be the safest option. Today, we're going to discuss three key strategies for evacuation to ensure you and your family are prepared for any situation.

Phase One: Immediate Vicinity

The first evacuation point should be very close to home. This location should be within walking distance for the youngest child or eldest relative in your family. The idea is to get out of immediate danger from your house but still be close by. This could be a neighbor's house, a local park, or any easily identifiable place that your children can reach on their own if needed.

Phase Two: Local but Not Immediate

The second evacuation point should be somewhere local but not right next door. Think of places like a friend's house across town or a hotel you are familiar with. The key here is to pick a spot that is relatively easy to drive to, yet far enough that it wouldn't be affected by the same event impacting your immediate area. For example, we have a friend’s house about 20-25 minutes away and another spot an hour away. These locations should have multiple routes for ingress and egress to avoid getting trapped if roads are blocked.

Phase Three: Long-Term, Out-of-Area

The third point is a long-term, out-of-the-local-area spot, such as a family member's home in another state. This location is for worst-case scenarios, where returning home isn't an option for an extended period. For us, it's family in Oklahoma, about a 10-hour drive away. When choosing this location, make sure it's not along main highways to avoid heavy traffic during mass evacuations.

Best Practices for Your Evacuation Plan

1. Plan for Different Scenarios:

• Assume not everyone will be home during an emergency. One parent might be at work, the kids could be at school or with friends. Assign clear roles for each family member. For example, one parent could be responsible for getting home to gather pets, while the other picks up the children.

2. Clear Communication:

• Make sure everyone knows the designated rally points. Have triggers for each location so there's no confusion about where to go if communication fails. Establish a communication plan to update each other about your whereabouts.

3. Emergency Contacts for Kids:

• Ensure your children know emergency contact numbers and the rally points. They should understand when to stay with someone or when to head to a rally point on their own. Equip them with a way to communicate, like a phone or a list of phone numbers.

Practicing Your Plan

Having a plan is just the first step; practicing it is crucial. Regularly run drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do. Test different scenarios, like evacuating from school or work. Make these drills as realistic as possible to identify any gaps in your plan.

Final Thoughts

Creating a phased evacuation plan is essential for being truly prepared. By having immediate, local, and long-term evacuation points, you can ensure your family’s safety no matter the situation. Remember, we are prepared, not scared. Make those plans, practice them, and stay safe.