Preparing for Evacuation

Evacuations are becoming more common along the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina during hurricanes. Odds are that if you live on the coast, or own a property on the coast, you’ll need to evacuate someday soon. So take steps now to prepare for an evacuation – ensuring you, your family, and your property will be as safe as possible while you’re away.

What to do before Evacuating

• Prepare a survival kit that includes items such as water (one gallon per person, per day) and non-perishable food for everyone, including your pets; medications; a portable radio; flashlights; batteries; and battery chargers for your cell phones and other portable electronic devices, which can be powered by your car. Plan for an extended period without power. This site has a useful checklist of supplies and other items you’ll want to pack: hurricanesafety.org.
• Plan your evacuation route and leave as soon as possible. You don’t have to wait for the official evacuation order to be issued. Fuel up your car before you leave.
• Communicate about your evacuation plan to others so that family or friends know where you are heading and how to reach you.
• Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside. Take down glass picture frames and anything that may fall. Wrap them and place them in a washer or dryer for safety. Secure all valuables and consider taking them with you. Make sure to take medications, copies of your insurance policies and other important legal documents with you. Secure other important documents in a safe deposit box.
• Close your home’s storm shutters and board up windows and glass doors as appropriate.
• If possible, bring in gas or charcoal grills, but do not use them indoors. Also, do not store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Chain propane tanks in an upright position to a secure object away from your home.
• Secure your boat or move it to a safer place.
• Fill your emergency generator fuel tank, if you have one, and have spare fuel on hand. Store generator fuel in an approved container in a garage or shed, away from open flames, heat sources and appliances such as natural gas appliances.

Do not return to your home until authorities have explicitly said it is safe to do so. Once you are able to return safely, follow our tips for what to do after the storm.