One moment everything is fine, and then you turn on the news and are told that a hurricane will be in your area in a week. Are you prepared for the evacuation process? There is more that goes into packing for a hurricane than for a vacation.

Do you know what should go in a first aid kit and do you have a fresh tank of gas for the ride to safety? These are things that you’ll need to keep in mind. To help you keep you and your family safe, here are a few tips on what to pack for a hurricane evacuation.

1. Important Papers

The last thing you want to lose is the deed to your house or your social security card so you’ll want to take them with you.

wrap them in plastic and put them in a waterproof case. Even though you’re taking them on the road, you can never be too careful. You’ll need them when you get back to prove you are who you say you are.

2. Grab and Go Pack

Grab and go packs are different for everyone but it does need to house your basics. These include toilet paper, food, and first aid supplies.

Also, make sure to throw in all of your prescription medications and even over the counter ones because you don’t know how long you’re going to be gone.

3. Your Pets

If it’s dangerous enough for you to evacuate then your furry friends need to evacuate as well. They can’t fend for themselves against a hurricane and you could be gone for weeks so that means they would be stuck that long without food.

There is a chance you could get separated from them in the evacuation chaos so make sure they are chipped and you have photos of them handy. If you’re staying in a hotel, call around to find one that will allow your pets to stay with you.

4. Gas

You can’t really pack gas necessarily but you will need a full tank to get to safety. All it takes is for the weatherman to say hurricane to create a long line at the gas tanks.

You’ll want to be there before these long lines start not only to beat the crowd but to get your gas before stations start to run out.

5. Food

You need to pack enough non-perishable goods to last you and your family at least 72 hours. This should be your basics like jerky, cans of meat, dried fruit, anything you don’t have to cook.

Speaking of food, you should toss out any food in your fridge that could spoil. If not you’ll come back to a mess because your house lost power while you were gone.

What to Pack for a Hurricane Evacuation So You Aren’t Blown Away

Hurricane season is nothing to play around with. If you live in an area that is notorious for being hit heavily you need to always be prepared to evacuate. Use these tips on what to pack for a hurricane evacuation so you can keep you and your family safe this season.

Do you need a safe place to store items that you can’t take with you when you evacuate? Contact us, we’re here to help.