Everything that you would do to prepare yourself and your loved ones in the home, applies to the process of evacuation as well. The following is a guide to making those preparations.
An advanced stage of planning requires that you have made previous plans to go to a friend’s or relative’s home. A buddy system is advisable if time permits, and if not, make arrangements with someone else to travel in separate vehicles on the same route. This will ensure added safety, protection, and help. You will want to keep all items for evacuating in one safe place so there will be no undue stress or panic in trying to gather everything at the last minute. It never fails when you are in a hurry, you will forget something. You must have several evacuation routes in mind so you can have alternative roads to travel if one is busier or more dangerous than another. (An evacuation route towards the east is no good if the emergency in the east.) Find a radio channel in your vehicle that will broadcast weather conditions and road conditions more frequently for your area. Have a station button pre-programmed in your vehicle for such an emergency. You must also know where it is safe to stop in route for any necessary breaks for rest, food, or bathroom breaks. Map out several routes with known safety areas like a police station, a fire department, a large shopping mall where you can make a stop. Stay away from small roads and dark places as criminals will take advantage of you in an attempt to take away your supplies, your vehicle, or to do you injury, or greater harm.
Have coins and extra cash in small bills, because in a power outage the electronic banking systems will not operate. If you have a cell phone, take the charger for a wall outlet and the vehicle, and make sure it is always maintaining a full charge regularly. Some cellular phones have vehicle chargers that come with them or can be obtained from the cellular provider. Keep a list of all important phone numbers of people and places you need to contact. Take with you all the important documents you have stored in your lock box. Take your food and water supply along. Store extra gasoline or diesel fuel for your auto at home. It may be handy if you need to leave and your tank is near empty. This way you can fill it before leaving on a road trip. The idea is to have a full tank of fuel at the start so as to avoid stopping until absolutely necessary. You will want to get away from the danger zone as soon as possible. Also, fuel stops may have already shut down in your area preventing you from getting a supply. Those places may be out of fuel quickly as well.
Keep a traveling bag ready to go at all times for an emergency evacuation. You will want to take extra clothing, pants, shirts, sweaters, under garments, socks, hats, gloves, coats or jackets, medications, first aid items, extra shoes and boots, etc. Weather will play a big role in what you decide to have ready to grab. This will be your B.O.B. (Bug-Out-Bag.) A separate cooler and bag for food should be ready at a moments notice to pack up. Other items for comfort can be grabbed to take as previously mentioned. (A sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, an inflatable bed or padding.) If you have room for a tent, take it.
The list described below is a guide for items to keep in your vehicle at all times. - Good spare tire. - Two quarts of oil (one for winter) (one for summer), and a small funnel for pouring. - Anti-freeze. - Windshield washer fluid. - Power steering fluid. - Brake fluid. - Transmission fluid. - Can of Fix-A-Flat - Tire pump. - Tire pressure gauge. - Tire-patch kit. - Crow bar / pry bar. - Windshield scraper / ice scrapper. - Flares. - Gallon of water. - Jumper cables. - Cat litter for traction. - Some tools (Hammer, screw drivers, pliers, hack saw, strong knife.) - Tarp or roll of heavy plastic. - Full roll of electric and duct tape. - Fire Extinguisher. - Work Gloves. - Rain gear. - Boots (Rubber cover boots.) - First Aid kit. - Shovel - Rope - Blanket(s) or sleeping bag. - Flashlight and/or glow stick lights. - A can of spray paint that contrasts the color of your vehicle. (Write a S.O.S. on the roof of the vehicle, or on the road beside your vehicle if help is needed.) - B.O.B. (Bug-Out-Bag) with a change of clothes, some toiletries, toilet tissue, and non-perishable foods and water. This will have a fuller description on later pages.
Other evacuation items to take: Important Documents First Aid Kit Water - Have enough potable water for each individual to have a minimum of one gallon to get through until you can reach a water source. Remember that smaller water bottles allow for less waste. Use plastic and not glass containers if you cannot take purchased bottled water. Since you will be traveling, know where water sources are along the evacuation route where you can refill your containers. The object here is to prepare ahead of time, knowing safe stopping areas. Stored water should be kept in a cool shaded area until ready for use.
Food Cooler and Ice: You will need to have a small cooler to take along. You will need ice to keep some medicines and food items cold once they have been opened. Have ice made at home ahead of time.
Food: Prepare a cardboard box or plastic box with a lid for transporting a food supply in an emergency. Rubbermaid containers are excellent with the snap down lids. A clear box will allow you to see what items are in that box if you have stored other items in similar boxes. Have enough food stocked for a ‘minimum’ of five days. Even if you are going to another location, your added supplies can relieve the burden on someone else. All foods should be non-perishable and kept in a cool shaded area until ready for transport. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Try to find items that require little cooking or preparation, and use as minimal amounts of water as possible. Do not use unsafe water to prepare any consumable items. Do not drain the water from prepared foods as you can incorporate the liquid into the recipe and save on your drinking water. This is also true of canned juices from fruits and vegetables. These are sources of fluid and help to conserve your drinking water. Try to find foods packed in disposable containers or packaging that can be minimized. For example, if you choose to take along boxed cereal, take the bag out of the box and place the sealed bag in a zip lock style bag so it can be resealed later. This minimizes bulk space in your storage container. Items that are vacuum sealed have a longer shelf life and are easy to transport.
Possible Food Choices: If time permits and you have enough space you can empty some of the contents of your refrigerator/freezer into an extra large cooler with ice. This is especially nice if the chances of returning home are impossible. You may also want to have an extra storage box for items you have in the kitchen pantry.
Canned Goods: Dinty Moore Beef Stew, Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken and Noodles Ravioli, Spaghetti, Soups Meats – Chicken, Tuna, Salmon, Spam, Ham, Beef, Turkey, etc. Vegetables – Corn, Peas, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Carrots, Asparagus, Spinach, Hominy, etc. Fruit – Peaches, Fruit Cocktail, Pears, Applesauce, Cranberries or Cranberry Sauce, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Chunks, etc. Milk – Regular, Evaporated Juices – Apple, Orange, Cranberry, Grape, Tomato, V-8, Prune, etc. Condiments – Small plastic containers, not glass. Spices – Seasonings, Salt, Pepper, etc. Powdered Goods: Milk, Drink Mixes (Lemonade, Punch, Iced Tea, etc.), Hot Cocoa Dry Goods: Potato Flakes Pancake Mix (Add Water Only Mix) Rice Noodles Dried Peas and Beans Velvetta Macaroni and Cheese Cereals – Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Grits, Granola, etc. Tea Bags, Coffee Bags, Sugar, Creamer Energy Foods: Peanut Butter Jelly Crackers Cookies Candy M.R.E.’s – Meals Ready to Eat (Purchased at Outdoor Stores and through catalog companies.)
A variety of stoves are available on the market from folding back pack stoves for hikers to the elaborate style Coleman makes for setting up a base camp. Since an emergency evacuation should be lightweight it is recommended to have a small folding Sterno stove with extra cans of Sterno Fuel. It is both economical and easy to use. For the sake of a list, the stove is mentioned, buy choices are according to personal taste.
Stove (Safer than charcoal and lighter fluid.)
Fuel (Depends on stove choice.)
Fire Starters ( Self-igniting fuel sticks for starting a campfire, a charcoal fire, or wood fire.)
Matches (Windproof/Waterproof)
Butane and Battery Operated Fire Wand (Optional)
Tube of Petroleum Gel (This is a fire igniting source for paper or wood.)
Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (Can be used to protect food from burning and it can be wrapped around sticks to make a wind screen, so as to prevent the fire from being blown out.
Hand Operated Can Opener
Disposable Plastic or Paper Plates, Cups, Bowls, Plastic Eating Utensils (Fork, Knife, Spoon)
Mess Kits can be used but will require washing. If you do not have much water, use paper.
Cooking Utensils – Pancake Turner, Large Cooking Spoon, Large Fork, Tongs, Sharp Cutting Knife
Pot Holders, Dish Towel, Dish Rag, Scrubbing Sponge
Small Bottle of Dish Soap
Baking Soda (Used to clean the bottom of pans.)
Knife or Multi-tool – A fixed blade knife, a multi-tool will aid in setting up a campsite if you need to stop on the road during your trip and lodging is unavailable.
Tools and Miscellaneous Supplies: Emergency Radio (Battery Operated) Watch Wind Up Alarm Clock Battery Operated Lantern or Flashlight Extra Batteries Pillows Blankets Sleeping Bags Tarp or Heavy Plastic Sheeting for Ground Cover Tent or Larger Tarps Minimum 550-Paracord, Rope, Cord Clothespins Laundry Soap (Small Bottle) Bleach One Size Bucket with a tight fitting lid. Port-A-Potty Extra Toilet Tissue Hand Sanitizer or Moistened Hand Wipes Roll of Paper Towels Compass (Learn how to navigate without it if you can.) Plastic Whistle for each person. Traveler’s Sewing Kit Paper, Pen, Pencil, Coloring Books, Crayons, Colored Pencils Small Games, Deck of Cards (You will need entertainment for children especially.) Plastic Garbage Bags (Variety of Sizes.) Zip Lock Storage Bags (Variety of Sizes.) Work Gloves NOAA Weather/Emergency Radio Small Hand or Battery Operated Radio Paracord and Rope
Clothing should be adjusted seasonally. Even if the outside temperatures are in the 80’s, you can still become hypothermic. Plan on dressing in layers so that you can be comfortable. If outside in extreme heat, heat exhaustion can kill you, so dress in light colors and lightweight materials. Some items on these lists are good for cold or hot weather.
Warm Wool Hat Baseball Cap Warm Heavy Gloves Underwear Thermal Underwear Heavy Shoes Snow Boots Lightweight Shoes Rubber Boot Covers Slippers Snow Goggles Sunglasses Heavy Coat with Hood Rain Gear Pants Umbrella Shirts/Blouses Robe Socks Pajamas
Playpen/Bedding (Since size and room is an issue, just carry the playpen or bedding pad.) Stroller Extra Blankets and Clothing Diapers Medicinal Items Formula Food Bottles Toys – Stuffed Animal Baby’s Shot Records
Important Emergency Information: EMERGENCY --- 911 These are my numbers but will give you an idea of what to list for yourself: Friends – Have a pre-planned contact buddy system.
York County Emergency Operations and Emergency Management : 717-840-7494 Police and Fire Department: 911 American Red Cross: 1-800-347-2751 Memorial Hospital 24 Hour Emergency Service: 717-849-5730 York Hospital: 717-851-2311 Adams Electric Coop: 1-800-762-2324 PECO: 1-800-841-4141 PPL Electric Utilities: 1-800-342-5775 Met-Ed (First Energy) – 1-800-652-0550 National Response Center to Report Toxic Chemical & Oil Spills (24 Hrs.): 1-800-424-8802 Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (24 Hrs.):1-800-521-6110
Local Radio and Television Stations: Radio: FM 98 WYCR WARM 103 FM FM 108 WGTY FM 107.7 WGTY AM 910 WSBA FM 96.1 WSOX Television: Fox 43 WPMT-TV Channel 8 – WGAL –TV Channel 27 – ABC News - WHTM
Check with your local cable provider for a list of channels and networks to find the 24-hour news and weather channels.
Emergency Preparedness is not to be taken lightly. It can save lives when a devastating factor hits you and your loved ones. Better to be ready and never have the need, than to have the need and not be prepared.
So many items on these pages can be substituted with items you already have in your home. Use you imagination and get started with the basics, then continue to build on your supplies until you know you can make it with what you have. Keep it simple and light for transporting and ready to go at a moments notice. Remember, shelter, water, food, heat, first-aid, and safety.
An advanced stage of planning requires that you have made previous plans to go to a friend’s or relative’s home. A buddy system is advisable if time permits, and if not, make arrangements with someone else to travel in separate vehicles on the same route. This will ensure added safety, protection, and help. You will want to keep all items for evacuating in one safe place so there will be no undue stress or panic in trying to gather everything at the last minute. It never fails when you are in a hurry, you will forget something. You must have several evacuation routes in mind so you can have alternative roads to travel if one is busier or more dangerous than another. (An evacuation route towards the east is no good if the emergency in the east.) Find a radio channel in your vehicle that will broadcast weather conditions and road conditions more frequently for your area. Have a station button pre-programmed in your vehicle for such an emergency. You must also know where it is safe to stop in route for any necessary breaks for rest, food, or bathroom breaks. Map out several routes with known safety areas like a police station, a fire department, a large shopping mall where you can make a stop. Stay away from small roads and dark places as criminals will take advantage of you in an attempt to take away your supplies, your vehicle, or to do you injury, or greater harm.
ReplyDeleteHave coins and extra cash in small bills, because in a power outage the electronic banking systems will not operate. If you have a cell phone, take the charger for a wall outlet and the vehicle, and make sure it is always maintaining a full charge regularly. Some cellular phones have vehicle chargers that come with them or can be obtained from the cellular provider. Keep a list of all important phone numbers of people and places you need to contact. Take with you all the important documents you have stored in your lock box. Take your food and water supply along. Store extra gasoline or diesel fuel for your auto at home. It may be handy if you need to leave and your tank is near empty. This way you can fill it before leaving on a road trip. The idea is to have a full tank of fuel at the start so as to avoid stopping until absolutely necessary. You will want to get away from the danger zone as soon as possible. Also, fuel stops may have already shut down in your area preventing you from getting a supply. Those places may be out of fuel quickly as well.
Keep a traveling bag ready to go at all times for an emergency evacuation. You will want to take extra clothing, pants, shirts, sweaters, under garments, socks, hats, gloves, coats or jackets, medications, first aid items, extra shoes and boots, etc. Weather will play a big role in what you decide to have ready to grab. This will be your B.O.B. (Bug-Out-Bag.) A separate cooler and bag for food should be ready at a moments notice to pack up. Other items for comfort can be grabbed to take as previously mentioned. (A sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, an inflatable bed or padding.) If you have room for a tent, take it.
Vehicle Emergency Kit:
ReplyDeleteThe list described below is a guide for items to keep in your vehicle at all times.
- Good spare tire.
- Two quarts of oil (one for winter) (one for summer), and a small funnel for pouring.
- Anti-freeze.
- Windshield washer fluid.
- Power steering fluid.
- Brake fluid.
- Transmission fluid.
- Can of Fix-A-Flat
- Tire pump.
- Tire pressure gauge.
- Tire-patch kit.
- Crow bar / pry bar.
- Windshield scraper / ice scrapper.
- Flares.
- Gallon of water.
- Jumper cables.
- Cat litter for traction.
- Some tools (Hammer, screw drivers, pliers, hack saw, strong knife.)
- Tarp or roll of heavy plastic.
- Full roll of electric and duct tape.
- Fire Extinguisher.
- Work Gloves.
- Rain gear.
- Boots (Rubber cover boots.)
- First Aid kit.
- Shovel
- Rope
- Blanket(s) or sleeping bag.
- Flashlight and/or glow stick lights.
- A can of spray paint that contrasts the color of your vehicle. (Write a S.O.S. on the roof of the vehicle, or on the road beside your vehicle if help is needed.)
- B.O.B. (Bug-Out-Bag) with a change of clothes, some toiletries, toilet tissue, and non-perishable foods and water. This will have a fuller description on later pages.
Other evacuation items to take:
ReplyDeleteImportant Documents
First Aid Kit
Water - Have enough potable water for each individual to have a minimum of one gallon to get through until you can reach a water source. Remember that smaller water bottles allow for less waste. Use plastic and not glass containers if you cannot take purchased bottled water. Since you will be traveling, know where water sources are along the evacuation route where you can refill your containers. The object here is to prepare ahead of time, knowing safe stopping areas. Stored water should be kept in a cool shaded area until ready for use.
Food Cooler and Ice: You will need to have a small cooler to take along. You will need ice to keep some medicines and food items cold once they have been opened. Have ice made at home ahead of time.
Food: Prepare a cardboard box or plastic box with a lid for transporting a food supply in an emergency. Rubbermaid containers are excellent with the snap down lids. A clear box will allow you to see what items are in that box if you have stored other items in similar boxes. Have enough food stocked for a ‘minimum’ of five days. Even if you are going to another location, your added supplies can relieve the burden on someone else. All foods should be non-perishable and kept in a cool shaded area until ready for transport. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Try to find items that require little cooking or preparation, and use as minimal amounts of water as possible. Do not use unsafe water to prepare any consumable items. Do not drain the water from prepared foods as you can incorporate the liquid into the recipe and save on your drinking water. This is also true of canned juices from fruits and vegetables. These are sources of fluid and help to conserve your drinking water. Try to find foods packed in disposable containers or packaging that can be minimized. For example, if you choose to take along boxed cereal, take the bag out of the box and place the sealed bag in a zip lock style bag so it can be resealed later. This minimizes bulk space in your storage container. Items that are vacuum sealed have a longer shelf life and are easy to transport.
Possible Food Choices: If time permits and you have enough space you can empty some of the contents of your refrigerator/freezer into an extra large cooler with ice. This is especially nice if the chances of returning home are impossible. You may also want to have an extra storage box for items you have in the kitchen pantry.
Canned Goods:
Dinty Moore Beef Stew, Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken and Noodles
Ravioli, Spaghetti,
Soups
Meats – Chicken, Tuna, Salmon, Spam, Ham, Beef, Turkey, etc.
Vegetables – Corn, Peas, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes,
Carrots, Asparagus, Spinach, Hominy, etc.
Fruit – Peaches, Fruit Cocktail, Pears, Applesauce, Cranberries or Cranberry
Sauce, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Chunks, etc.
Milk – Regular, Evaporated
Juices – Apple, Orange, Cranberry, Grape, Tomato, V-8, Prune, etc.
Condiments – Small plastic containers, not glass.
Spices – Seasonings, Salt, Pepper, etc.
Powdered Goods:
Milk, Drink Mixes (Lemonade, Punch, Iced Tea, etc.), Hot Cocoa
Dry Goods:
Potato Flakes
Pancake Mix (Add Water Only Mix)
Rice
Noodles
Dried Peas and Beans
Velvetta Macaroni and Cheese
Cereals – Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Grits, Granola, etc.
Tea Bags, Coffee Bags, Sugar, Creamer
Energy Foods:
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Crackers
Cookies
Candy
M.R.E.’s – Meals Ready to Eat (Purchased at Outdoor Stores and through catalog companies.)
Cooking Stove, Utensils, and Supplies
ReplyDeleteA variety of stoves are available on the market from folding back pack stoves for hikers to the elaborate style Coleman makes for setting up a base camp. Since an emergency evacuation should be lightweight it is recommended to have a small folding Sterno stove with extra cans of Sterno Fuel. It is both economical and easy to use.
For the sake of a list, the stove is mentioned, buy choices are according to personal taste.
Stove (Safer than charcoal and lighter fluid.)
Fuel (Depends on stove choice.)
Fire Starters ( Self-igniting fuel sticks for starting a campfire, a charcoal fire, or wood fire.)
Matches (Windproof/Waterproof)
Butane and Battery Operated Fire Wand (Optional)
Tube of Petroleum Gel (This is a fire igniting source for paper or wood.)
Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (Can be used to protect food from burning and it can be wrapped around sticks to make a wind screen, so as to prevent the fire from being blown out.
Hand Operated Can Opener
Disposable Plastic or Paper Plates, Cups, Bowls, Plastic Eating Utensils (Fork, Knife, Spoon)
Mess Kits can be used but will require washing. If you do not have much water, use paper.
Cooking Utensils – Pancake Turner, Large Cooking Spoon, Large Fork, Tongs, Sharp Cutting Knife
Pot Holders, Dish Towel, Dish Rag, Scrubbing Sponge
Small Bottle of Dish Soap
Baking Soda (Used to clean the bottom of pans.)
Knife or Multi-tool – A fixed blade knife, a multi-tool will aid in setting up a campsite if you need to stop on the road during your trip and lodging is unavailable.
Small ABC Type Fire Extinguisher
Vinyl Table Cloth or Plastic Sheeting
Dish Pan
Tools and Miscellaneous Supplies:
ReplyDeleteEmergency Radio (Battery Operated)
Watch
Wind Up Alarm Clock
Battery Operated Lantern or Flashlight
Extra Batteries
Pillows
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Tarp or Heavy Plastic Sheeting for Ground Cover
Tent or Larger Tarps
Minimum 550-Paracord, Rope, Cord
Clothespins
Laundry Soap (Small Bottle)
Bleach
One Size Bucket with a tight fitting lid.
Port-A-Potty
Extra Toilet Tissue
Hand Sanitizer or Moistened Hand Wipes
Roll of Paper Towels
Compass (Learn how to navigate without it if you can.)
Plastic Whistle for each person.
Traveler’s Sewing Kit
Paper, Pen, Pencil, Coloring Books, Crayons, Colored Pencils
Small Games, Deck of Cards (You will need entertainment for children especially.)
Plastic Garbage Bags (Variety of Sizes.)
Zip Lock Storage Bags (Variety of Sizes.)
Work Gloves
NOAA Weather/Emergency Radio
Small Hand or Battery Operated Radio
Paracord and Rope
Toiletries in a Kit or Zip Lock Bag:
ReplyDeleteThese are items that can be stored inside of your suitcase, duffle bag, or travel bag with your clothes.
Soap
Shampoo
Shaving Cream
Razor
Brush, Comb
Feminine Hygiene Products
Diapers (Senior or Baby)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Small Mirror
Denture Needs
Contact Lenses & Supplies
Salves, Ointments, Creams, Powder
Deodorant
Clothing:
ReplyDeleteClothing should be adjusted seasonally. Even if the outside temperatures are in the 80’s, you can still become hypothermic. Plan on dressing in layers so that you can be comfortable. If outside in extreme heat, heat exhaustion can kill you, so dress in light colors and lightweight materials. Some items on these lists are good for cold or hot weather.
Warm Wool Hat
Baseball Cap
Warm Heavy Gloves
Underwear
Thermal Underwear
Heavy Shoes
Snow Boots
Lightweight Shoes
Rubber Boot Covers
Slippers
Snow Goggles
Sunglasses
Heavy Coat with Hood
Rain Gear
Pants
Umbrella
Shirts/Blouses
Robe
Socks
Pajamas
Baby Items:
ReplyDeletePlaypen/Bedding (Since size and room is an issue, just carry the playpen or bedding pad.)
Stroller
Extra Blankets and Clothing
Diapers
Medicinal Items
Formula
Food
Bottles
Toys – Stuffed Animal
Baby’s Shot Records
Important Emergency Information:
ReplyDeleteEMERGENCY --- 911
These are my numbers but will give you an idea of what to list for yourself:
Friends – Have a pre-planned contact buddy system.
York County Emergency Operations and Emergency Management : 717-840-7494
Police and Fire Department: 911
American Red Cross: 1-800-347-2751
Memorial Hospital 24 Hour Emergency Service: 717-849-5730
York Hospital: 717-851-2311
Adams Electric Coop: 1-800-762-2324
PECO: 1-800-841-4141
PPL Electric Utilities: 1-800-342-5775
Met-Ed (First Energy) – 1-800-652-0550
National Response Center to Report Toxic Chemical & Oil Spills (24 Hrs.): 1-800-424-8802
Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (24 Hrs.):1-800-521-6110
Local Radio and Television Stations:
Radio:
FM 98 WYCR
WARM 103 FM
FM 108 WGTY
FM 107.7 WGTY
AM 910 WSBA
FM 96.1 WSOX
Television:
Fox 43 WPMT-TV
Channel 8 – WGAL –TV
Channel 27 – ABC News - WHTM
Check with your local cable provider for a list of channels and networks to find the
24-hour news and weather channels.
Emergency Preparedness is not to be taken lightly. It can save lives when a devastating factor hits you and your loved ones. Better to be ready and never have the need, than to have the need and not be prepared.
So many items on these pages can be substituted with items you already have in your home. Use you imagination and get started with the basics, then continue to build on your supplies until you know you can make it with what you have. Keep it simple and light for transporting and ready to go at a moments notice. Remember, shelter, water, food, heat, first-aid, and safety.
Adaptability is the key!