When was the last time you really thought about what you’d do in an emergency? In today’s world, anything can happen—wildfires, earthquakes, power outages—and when disaster strikes, you need to move fast. But let’s be honest: how many of us have a solid plan in place? If you're like me, it took a few close calls before I realized the importance of having an evacuation plan. Now, I’m here to share my knowledge with you so you can be prepared, too. I’ll even include a FREE PDF checklist for you to download at the end of this post!

Why Should You Prepare for an Emergency Evacuation?

Think about it for a second: when chaos hits, what’s the first thing you’ll grab? Your phone? Your kids? What about your important documents? Most people freeze because they don’t have a plan. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s scary. You’re left scrambling, trying to figure out what to do, which often leads to wasted time—time that could be critical in an emergency situation.

Consider this: according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 60% of Americans haven’t practiced what to do in a disaster. That means most people are unprepared to evacuate their homes quickly and safely. You don’t want to be in that group, right? By making a plan now, you’re taking control of your family’s safety. So, let’s dive into how to get ready.

What Should Your Emergency Evacuation Plan Include?

First off, let’s get the basics out of the way. What should your evacuation plan cover? A solid plan should answer three questions:

1. Where will you go?

2. How will you get there?

3. What will you take with you?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you’ll feel much more confident when disaster strikes. Your family won’t have to panic because everyone will know their role. Make sure you sit down with your family and discuss the evacuation routes and meet-up locations.

Where Will You Go?

You need to decide on at least two places. One should be nearby, like a neighbor’s house, and the other should be farther away, like a relative’s home in another city or town. This way, no matter what the emergency is, you’ll have a safe place to go.

How Will You Get There?

What if the main road is blocked? Do you know an alternate route? In my experience, it’s crucial to map out at least two ways to leave your area. And don’t just rely on your GPS—it might fail during an emergency. Practice these routes with your family so everyone is comfortable navigating without technology.

And speaking of technology, how will you communicate? Make sure everyone has a list of emergency contacts written down—don’t just rely on your phone. In case your battery dies, a paper backup will be a lifesaver.

What Will You Take With You?

You’ve probably heard about “go bags,” but do you actually have one packed and ready? In a stressful moment, you won’t have time to gather your essentials. I can’t stress this enough: pack your emergency kit now.

In your emergency kit, include:

• Copies of important documents (passports, IDs, insurance policies)

• A first aid kit

• Non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours

• Flashlights with extra batteries

• A change of clothes for each family member

• Medications and a list of allergies for each family member

• Cash (ATMs might not work in a crisis)

One thing I always tell people: pack your kit as if you might not return for several days. Don’t assume you’ll be able to swing by the store on your way out. You need to be fully self-sufficient.

Have You Practiced Your Plan?

Here’s the thing: having a plan is great, but it’s useless if you don’t practice it. When was the last time you and your family did a dry run? The next time you’re sitting around on a Sunday, make it a family activity. You don’t have to make it scary—turn it into a drill, and make sure everyone knows what they need to do.

A great rule of thumb is to practice your evacuation plan at least twice a year. This keeps everyone sharp, and if you have younger children, they’ll feel more confident if they know exactly what to expect.

What Are You Forgetting?

Here’s a question I often ask: What’s the one thing most people forget in an emergency? Their pets! It’s easy to overlook them in the chaos. Make sure your evacuation plan includes how you’ll transport your pets. Have a carrier ready and keep an extra supply of food and water for them in your emergency kit.

Also, think about people with special needs in your household. Do you have elderly family members or individuals with disabilities? You’ll need to make sure their unique requirements are met, whether that’s extra medication, medical equipment, or mobility aids.

Stay Informed

The biggest advantage you have in an emergency is staying informed. Sign up for local emergency alerts so you’ll get real-time updates. And remember to follow trusted sources for information. Social media can be helpful, but don’t rely solely on it. Keep a battery-powered radio in your kit to stay connected when all else fails.

Being informed also means knowing when to evacuate. Sometimes people wait too long because they think the situation will improve. Don’t make that mistake. It’s always better to leave early and come back later than to wait until it’s too late.

How Can You Make Sure You’re Ready Today?

Now, I know thinking about emergencies isn’t fun. No one wants to imagine what could go wrong. But trust me, taking 20 minutes today to prepare could save your life tomorrow. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you covered.

Click below to download my FREE Evacuation Checklist. This PDF will walk you through everything you need to do to get prepared. You can print it out, stick it on your fridge, and start taking action today.

In Conclusion

Emergencies don’t come with a warning. You never know when you’ll need to evacuate, but you can control how ready you are. By making a plan, packing an emergency kit, and practicing with your family, you’ll be able to act quickly and confidently. Trust me, you’ll sleep better at night knowing that if disaster strikes, you’re ready to go.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the FREE Evacuation Checklist and start preparing now. You never know when you’ll need it.

To receive emergency alerts, sign up for AlertOC for Orange County or AlertRivCofor Riverside County.