Once the time comes, you won't be thinking clearly enough to just put things together. Your family will also be running around lost. Put together a simple checklist, gather the supplies beforehand, and rehearse your plans with your family. Then, when the time comes, simply execute.
EARLY WARNING & UPDATES
Watch Duty App is the best I have seen. You will receive alerts based on your location and can even adjust how large the coverage area is. If you have a HAM radio, make sure it is programmed to the local repeaters to get updates while on the move. Your cell towers may not be functioning, or the network may be too bogged down.
THE CHECKLIST
1. Know the routes you can take and rehearse them during different times to estimate the traffic. If you live in a densely-populated area, you may have to escape on foot
2. Know how you are leaving: in a vehicle, or on foot?
3. Gather, organize, and stage supplies where they are easy to find and will not be disturbed:
- 3 quarts of water per person
- 2600 calories of food or snacks per person
- first aid kit with burn cream and ointments, and masks or shemaghs
- fire blanket or a few for a family
- some camping gear if you are on foot
- a pack to carry it all with
- a box to throw it all into your vehicle
4. Before leaving
- Turn off all gas sources
- Turn on sprinklers that are pointed at crucial spots (optional)
- Don't forget your pets!
REHEARSALS
No plan is good without being rehearsed and refined. Practice your plan at least a few times before the season, and involve all family members. Start from your designated alert, and how you alert your family, and begin executing the plan. Your kids will have fun with it, your family will feel more confident, and you will be able to test your plan to find errors and then improve it
Growing up in hurricane zones, and then being deployed all over taught guys like me to always be prepared to move in a minute's notice. Not everyone has the luxury of valuable experience. However, anyone can create a simple plan and checklist, rehearse the plan with their family, and be better prepared. DON'T BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD!
