Who is Going

Keep your family together. If you are going by car, try to put everyone in the same car. If this is not possible, plan an evacuation route carefully. Plan stops along the way as checkpoints. If you get separated on the road, wait at the checkpoint until the other car has caught up and continue on together. Always agree on the next checkpoint before starting out again.

If you are being evacuated by disaster officials or rescuers, it is particularly important to keep together. If you can do so safely, wait for the next bus rather than split up. It can be very hard to reconnect quickly during evacuations. On the other hand, it may not be possible to put everyone on the roof into one boat. If it is necessary to split up, try to find out where everyone will be taken. Agree on the shelter you will all try to get to.

Take a broad view of what constitutes family in these situations. If you have helped the old lady next door to get to the shelter, keep her with you. If you are alone, form a group and help each other. Keep an eye out for those who are trying to be care givers to multiple people. It really takes one able-bodied adult to care for each child or elder or person with disabilities. All of this is much easier and less stressful if you are giving and receiving help with those around you.

Most of our shelters are run by the Red Cross, the Salvation Army or churches. Register everyone with shelter officials as soon as you can. If they have ID bracelets, cards or badges, make sure everyone in your group gets one. Put everyone’s name and identifying information on the list so public health and disaster officials will be able to help your friends and family find you quickly.