05
Apr

When you get the order to evacuate, you need to act fast. The problem is that the adrenaline pushes all common sense out of the window. It’s important to have an evacuation procedure so everyone in the house knows what they are doing.

Delegate Jobs and Work Through Your Lists

You already have your five-minute, one-hour, and six-hour evacuation lists. You’ll need to work on the five-minute list first.

The best thing to do is to make sure everyone has a clear job. That is all they have to take care of. If you set up this plan ahead of a potential emergency, they are more likely to have it set in their heads so they can still perform it when they’re panicking.

If you have a stock trailer, make sure it’s already hitched up. Make sure your truck is ready and all your animals are loaded first. This helps to keep them calm, and you can make sure they get out with you.

Get Out as Soon as You Evacuate

When you make the decision to evacuate, you need to get all the way out of the area. Don’t drive around looking for neighbors or to see what’s going on. The only situation is if you’re getting an elderly parent, but you want to make sure they’re with you as you’re getting your items together to avoid the need to drive around the roads.

It’s going to be congested getting out. Going the wrong way or turning back increases the chance of an accident.

The smoke can get thick, which makes accidents far more likely. Make sure your lights are on, and drive defensively. People can come around corners at high speed. You need to be ready to stop. If you’re concerned about not being visible, pulse your horn now and again.

Make Sure You Have Radios

If you do have more than one vehicle in your evacuation party, you need to make sure you have everything you need to stay in contact. You may get separated. Don’t rely on cell phones, and make sure everyone has radios.

If you have two different sized cars, make sure the biggest one is at the front. They’re more likely to handle the rockfall and they are easier to see.

Watch Out for Hazards on the Road

Finally, there will be a lot of hazards on the road. Panicked livestock may have been let loose, or there may be downed powerlines and trees.

If there is a downed powerline, remain in your car. You’re grounded by the tires. If you need to leave the vehicle, make sure you don’t touch any metal. As you move away from the vehicle, shuffle your feet on the ground to stay in contact with it and remain grounded.