Last updated on July 24th, 2014 at 09:59 am
By Julie Jacobs
No one looks forward to dealing with disaster, but when it strikes unexpectedly, you can proceed with confidence if you are ready for the unpredictable. Everyone should be organized for the hurricanes, wildfire, or any calamity that requires you to leave your home and seek shelter. Hotels, and motels fill up quickly in emergencies, and most public shelters will not allow you to bring your pets. If you are fortunate enough to have a travel trailer, you can use it as an emergency shelter.
Get ready in advance
If you have ever lived where a hurricane, blizzard, or other severe weather is predicted, you know that the grocery store supplies deplete quickly. Even if you shop as soon as you hear the news, chances are all of the bottled water will be gone when you get there. Realistically, you need food and water for a week – and don’t forget your pets. Plan simple meals, and purchase what is necessary. Use freeze-dried foods as much as possible. Ensure that you have propane for cooking. Include cleaning supplies as you pack.
Remember to plan for where you are going
Pack clothing suitable for your climate, and the season. Store copies of all of your important papers in the RV in case you lose your home. Have a list of possible safe parking areas in the travel trailer with maps and directions to get to each of them. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank filled up, and store extra gasoline to take with you. Maintain your RV in good mechanical condition, and check the fluids regularly. Remember to take a battery operated radio, and replacement batteries. You might put some games and books on board as well. If you have everything ready to go, you will save precious minutes when they count.
Everyone should have a job
Each person who will be evacuating in case of an emergency should have a job to do. Someone may be responsible for getting the pets into the RV. Another may be in charge of any medications. Assign a person to do a head count. You can probably think of other things that need to be on the list. Once a month schedule a rehearsal emergency where everyone is responsible for his evacuation chores.
Disasters can happen without warning. With some forethought, and preparation, you and your family will be ready for almost immediate evacuation. Plan, and keep your head.
