How to best prepare for an evacuation

Know the methods of broadcast of local emergency information:
When your family meets to discuss its Family Emergency Plan, find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area. Find out how your local emergency management system notifies citizens about potential or imminent catastrophes. Methods of notification vary from community to community. Common methods include broadcasts via emergency radio and television broadcasts.

Milwaukie’s emergency service dispatch center (LOCOM) utilizes a program enabling mass notification to citizens in our community via residential telephones. A voice message details the kind of emergency and what information citizens need to know to remain safe.

Depending on the type and severity of an emergency or disaster, LOCOM’s CODE RED emergency telephone information system is a beneficial tool. One recent example of the CODE RED notification system was activated in response to an industrial accident in Milwaukie. A liquid ammonia leak required the emergency closure of McLoughlin Blvd and surrounding roadways.

There was a fear prevailing winds could push a cloud of invisible ammonia gas into nearby neighborhoods. A CODE RED phone message was sent to all residential and business telephone numbers within the threat radius. Residents were advised to close all windows and doors, and remain inside until the ammonia had dissipated.

Another good soucre of infomratino is the Clackamas County Emergency Notification System: www.clackamas.us/emergency.

WHEN IMMEDIATE EVACUATION IS NECESSARY If an impending natural disaster or man-made emergency forces you to evacuate, or if for safety reasons emergency personnel order you to leave, follow a prepared evacuation plan. Plan how you will assemble your family. Anticipate where you will go. Choose a number of destinations in different directions so there are options in an emergency.

CREATE AN EVACUATION PLAN:

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside your immediate neighborhood.
• If you have a motor vehicle, always keep at least half a tank of fuel in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
• Become familiar with alternate routes to your destination. Become familiar with other means of transportation out of your area.
• If using a motor vehicle is not an option, what are other travel options?
• Take your Emergency Supply Kit unless you suspect it has been contaminated.
• Secure your home; lock the doors and windows.
• Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in emergency public shelters. Plan how you will feed and care for your pets in an emergency. In the event an emergency pet sheltering station is not available, anticipate the worst case scenario and pre-plan different options.

IF TIME ALLOWS:

• Call or email the ‘out of state’ contact in your family communication plan.
• Tell your contact person where you are going.
• If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving
• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Check with neighbors that might need transportation assistance.
• If time allows, collect and bring with you cash or traveler’s checks and coins (banks may be closed, ATMs could be inoperable). Credit cards, Personal identification (driver’s license, passport), and your social security cards.
   

EVACUATION PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
Sometimes a natural disaster, such as impending weather emergencies, can be predicted hours and sometimes days in advance. Respond to such an advanced notice by packing survival and comfort items well before an anticipated evacuation.

In the event the evacuation means staying days (or more) away from home, having sufficient supplies lessens the inconvenience and can relieve stress. The checklist below is an example of what items to bring with you. The information provided here is a suggested list of essential emergency items.

This list is not all-inclusive. You may choose to pack additional items you consider necessary for your survival or comfort. You may choose to omit some comfort items.

Checklist for Evacuation (Excerpted from FEMA and Prepare for the Worst: How CILs Can Assist INDIVIDUALS in Preparation - - IL NET Newsletter - - Updated June 2006)

GENERAL ITEMS:

• Basic Emergency Supply Kit (includes first-aid supplies and personal medications)
• Cash or traveler’s checks and coins (banks may be closed and ATMs may be inoperable)
• Credit Cards
• Extra set of house and car keys
• Person identification (Driver’s license/Passport)
• Social Security cards

PERSONAL ITEMS:

• Deodorants, sunscreen
• Light blanket and small pillow for traveling
• Lip balm, insect repellent
• Outerwear appropriate for climate
• Razor and shaving cream
• Shampoo, comb, and brush
• Feminine supplies
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
• Moist towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer
• Vitamins
• Washcloth and towel
• Water, snacks
• Bank account numbers
• Birth certificates
• Deeds
• Emergency contact list and phone numbers
• Immunization records
• Insurance papers
• Inventory of household goods
• Map of the area and phone number of places you could go
• Marriage certificate/Divorce papers/Custody orders
• Medical information, doctor/pharmacy contact information
• School report cards, IEPs, if child is in school
• Stocks and bonds
• Wills, powers of attorney

PET SUPPLIES:

The information provided here was excerpted from the FEMA website www.ready.gov. This government website provides a plethora of additional information in a detailed and easy-to-use format.

Through this website FEMA provides statistical data on a variety of natural environmental disasters, including hurricanes, tornados, thunderstorms, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. In additional, this site also explains safety procedures to follow in the event of human-caused emergencies, including safety precautions related to biological or chemical contamination.

• Medications, medical records, and a first-aid kit in a waterproof container
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers (understand even gentle pets may bite or run away under stress)
• Secure collars with up-to-date contact information, county license (if applicable)
• Current photos in case pets are lost
• Food, water, bowls, cat litter pan and manual can opener
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior information in the event your pet is placed in foster or board your pets
• Carry photograph of each pet with family members (This readily establishes ownership)
• For animals that may require an external heat source, such as reptiles, or newborn kittens or puppies, heat sources can include hot water bottles or electric heat blankets (for locations that can access electrical power)
• Another great temporary, inexpensive, heat source recommended for pets or people is to keep several packages of instant heat packets in your family’s first-aid kit.

When the packets are opened and exposed to air, a chemical reaction causes the contents of the packets to produce heat. The packets are designed to be put inside a person’s pockets, gloves, or socks. The packets will remain warm to the touch for up to 8 hours. When used as an external heat source for animals, place the heat packets inside a sock or wrap inside a washcloth. Place the ‘heat pad’ inside the pet’s travel crate. This enables the pet to warm itself by lying on the pad.