When an emergency requires evacuation, preparation is everything. Once authorities issue an evacuation order, roads can quickly become congested, fuel can run out, and communication networks can fail. Planning ahead ensures your safety and your family’s peace of mind.
At KokosEmergencyProducts.com, we believe that the right gear and foresight can make all the difference. Here’s a complete guide to preparing for a safe, organized evacuation — and how to be ready for the return home.
1. Ensure You Have a Well-Serviced Vehicle
Your vehicle is your lifeline during an evacuation. Make sure it’s in good condition before emergencies arise.
Vehicle Preparation Checklist:
- Keep your car well-serviced – check oil, brakes, coolant, and tires regularly.
- Fill your gas tank early – never wait until the storm is near.
- Bring extra fuel – large gas containers can help you travel longer distances when stations are closed or empty.
- Carry paper maps – GPS, Wi-Fi, or mobile networks may fail.
- Plan multiple routes – flooding, blocked bridges, or road detours can change your path.
- Anticipate gridlock – traffic congestion will increase fuel consumption.
- Drive safely – other drivers may be under stress or panic, increasing accident risks.
- Have enough fuel for a round trip, in case you need to return.
If traveling with others, plan communication and safety measures:
- Decide how to stay in touch if cell networks fail.
- Choose a backup destination in case your first option is full or unsafe.
- Set a code word to signal danger or distress.
2. Have a Designated Place to Go
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide where to evacuate. Identify your safest destination options in advance.
Possible Evacuation Destinations:
- Relatives or friends in a safe zone.
- Hotels or motels outside the evacuation area.
- Government or community shelters (check local emergency management listings).
- Camping or tent setups for short-term stays after the storm passes.
Considerations When Choosing a Destination:
- Is there enough space for your family and belongings?
- Does it accept pets? If yes, bring:
- A leash, crate, or cage
- Food, water, and bowls
- Toys and waste bags
- A pet tracker for safety
- Have a designated meeting point if family members become separated.
3. Prepare a “Bug-Out Bag” for Each Person
Every individual should have a ready-to-go emergency bag packed before disaster season begins.
Bug-Out Bag Essentials:
- A change of clothes, shoes, jacket, hat, and foul-weather gear
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- One gallon of water per day per person
- Non-perishable food (energy bars, canned goods)
- First aid kit and prescription medications with refills
- Personal hygiene supplies – soap, sanitizer, wipes, toothbrush
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Communication tools – phone, whistle, walkie-talkie, or GPS tracker
- Important documents in waterproof packaging (ID, insurance, prescriptions)
4. Be Careful When You Return
Returning home after an evacuation can be just as dangerous as leaving. Exercise caution and wait for official instructions.
Post-Evacuation Safety Tips:
- Wait for the ALL CLEAR alert before returning.
- Expect damaged or flooded roads and drive cautiously.
- Watch for downed power lines and unstable trees.
- Inspect your home for structural damage before entering.
- Flush water lines by running faucets briefly.
- Follow boil-water alerts before drinking tap water.
- Be patient with power restoration – it may take days or weeks to stabilize.
- Prepare for cleanup of debris, fallen trees, and waste.
- Expect delays in municipal waste collection as recovery efforts progress.
Be Ready — Before You Have To Go
An evacuation doesn’t have to be chaotic if you prepare now. Stock up on emergency kits, lighting, generators, water storage, and communication tools to stay safe and self-sufficient.
At KokosEmergencyProducts.com, we offer everything you need to prepare your car, your home, and your family for any emergency — from flood barriers to bug-out essentials.
Don’t wait for the storm. Plan. Pack. Protect.
