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Emergencies Happen: Your ultimate guide to evacuation preparedness.

natural disaster

The risks and dangers posed by natural disasters are increasing. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes are becoming more frequent, intense, and impacting more people, including residents of areas who never expected to be caught in their paths. In large-scale disasters, such as the Milton and Helene hurricanes, millions of people were told to evacuate. Many of those who did had little or nothing to return to, forced to start their lives over with whatever they packed up and brought with them.

Knowing what to pack during an evacuation can make a huge difference in what happens in the aftermath of a natural disaster, so we’ve put together two lists: the first list outlines the documents  you should physically take with you in a waterproof, fireproof safe or container that is easy to carry; the second list includes additional documents you should maintain digital copies of that are accessible online in a secure, encrypted format or on a USB drive, which can be invaluable if physical copies are lost or destroyed. All items on the first list should also have accessible digital copies. Do not rely on apps or data stored on your phone as a substitute for having physical copies and digital access to your documents– you may lose your phone, be unable to charge it, or find yourself stranded in an area without electricity.

 

Evacuation Checklist

Priority Items to Take with You in an Evacuation

  1. Identification Documents:
    • Driver’s license or state ID card
    • Passport
    • Social Security card
    • Birth certificate
    • Military ID (if applicable)
  2. Cash
    • When ATMs are not accessible or nearby, when systems and networks go down, or the electricity goes out, you want cash in a variety of denominations.
  3. Financial Documents:
    • Bank account information (account numbers, routing numbers)
    • Credit and debit cards
  4. Insurance Policies:
    • Health insurance cards and policies
  5. Emergency Contacts:
    • List of important phone numbers (family, friends, banks, insurance agents, doctors, etc.)
  6. Medical Information:
    • List of current medications
    • Medical records or contact information for your doctors
  7. Miscellaneous:
    • Keys to safe deposit boxes
    • USB drive with digital copies of important documents
    • Important passwords and login information (stored securely)

Important Documents to Securely Maintain Online

  1. Financial Documents:
    • Recent bank statements
    • Checkbook
  2. Insurance Policies:
    • Homeowners or renters insurance policies
    • Auto insurance information
    • Life insurance policies
  3. Legal Documents:
    • Wills and trust documents
    • Powers of attorney
    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce decree (if applicable)
    • Child custody papers (if applicable)
  4. Property Documents:
    • Mortgage statements or lease agreements
    • Property deeds or titles (for vehicles and homes)
    • Recent tax returns (1-2 years)
  5. Medical Information:
    • List of current medications
    • Medical records or contact information for your doctors
    • Immunization records
  1. Contact List
    • You probably have this information in your phone, stored in Outlook or Google Contacts, but have a backup just in case.

Finally, make a list of personal items that are irreplaceable, valuable, and can be carried and packed with relative ease. Consider the following:

  • Family photos and albums
  • Precious family heirlooms or jewelry
  • Important electronic devices
  • Paintings and other valuable artwork

 

Be Prepared Ahead of Time

If you are not currently facing an evacuation, it’s smart to prepare in advance for potential emergencies by taking these steps and precautions:

  1. Digitally store your important documents (as previously listed) in a secure online location or vault.
  2. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle consistently. Keep electric vehicles fully charged.
  3. Prepare an emergency kit including a flashlight, portable chargers for your cellular devices, protein-rich snacks, water bottles, and light bedding such as pillows and blankets.
  4. Ensure pets are ready for quick evacuation by securing them in pet carriers, preparing leashes, food bowls, food, litter boxes, litter, and other necessities.
  5. Pack a suitcase with essential clothing including socks, underwear, jackets, and extra shoes, plus a toiletry bag with necessary personal items and medications sufficient for several days. Store the suitcase close to an exit on the first floor of your home.
  6. When fleeing in an emergency, secure your home by closing all the windows and interior doors, and remove the curtains from windows.
  7. Turn off the propane gas at the tank, remove any propane tanks from grills, and store them safely away from the house.

These preparations are vital to ensure your family’s readiness in case of an emergency. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters but are not currently experiencing one, it’s critical to stay prepared. Below are some specialized tips for two different types of increasingly common emergencies: wildfires and hurricanes.

Wildfire Preparedness Tips

With increasing periods of droughts and high temperatures, wildfire seasons have become more intense. Wildfires can spread unpredictably and rapidly, often causing severe damage and loss of life. If a wildfire is threatening your home prepare your evacuation kit immediately. Each household member should have a backpack with essential items, ready for a prolonged absence from home. Consider including in your wildfire emergency supply kit:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • A change of clothes
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Up to three days’ worth of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Any necessary pet supplies

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Hurricane season can pose severe threats to life and property. Being proactive can reduce the impact on your family and home. Establish an evacuation route before the season begins and familiarize yourself with it. Inventory your personal property and review insurance policies to ensure you are adequately coverage for property damage. Implement home protections such as installing storm shutters, pruning weak branches, and sealing exterior wall openings. In addition to the general emergency supplies for wildfires, add the following to your hurricane supply kit:

  • A portable NOAA weather radio
  • A wrench, knife or boxcutter, and other basic tools
  • Manual can opener
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Flex tape and plastic sheeting
  • Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
  • Gasoline for your car and generator, stored in proper containers

These preparations help ensure you can respond swiftly and effectively in the event of wildfires or hurricanes. Check with federal, state, and local organizations for additional tips and suggestions.

Lafayette Federal is Your Financial Safety Net

In times of natural disaster, we provide personalized solutions to help you recover and rebuild. With our secure online and mobile banking, you can access your accounts anytime, from anywhere, ensuring your finances are safe and within reach. Trust us to be your financial partner, providing stability and guidance when uncertainty strikes.

Not a Lafayette Federal member yet? You can become a member by completing an online membership application.

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