n Listen to the emergency information closely to determine any roads you should avoid and any special instructions you should follow. Evacuation shelters may be announced.
n Move as quickly as you can, but remain calm.
n Dress in protective clothing and shoes. Determine if you need rubber boots, winter clothing, sturdy shoes, etc.
n Take your disaster supplies kit with you.
n Don’t forget your pets. Remember, not all evacuation shelters will accept animals. Take a collar and leash and plan ahead where your animals will go. Leaving them behind is not a good idea.
n Lock your house on the way out (except during a wildfire — the surrounding area will be secure in the event of wildfire and the firefighters may need to get inside).
n Don’t forget to check on any neighbors who might need help evacuating.
n Be careful as you leave. Watch for damaged or impassable roads, unsafe bridges, downed power lines and other dangers.
n When you are somewhere safe, call your family’s out-of-state contact to let them know where you are and that you’re OK.
If you are sure you have time:
n Shut off the water and electricity before leaving. Shut off the gas only if you’re sure it poses a threat or if you’re instructed to do so. Gas lines can only be turned back on by the gas company, and that may take awhile after a mass evacuation.
n Close the fireplace damper.
You may not be given a lot of time to evacuate in an emergency. Take steps now to be prepared to leave as quickly and safely as possible. If possible, identify at least two routes out of your neighborhood to use in an evacuation.
Call the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management, (907) 262-4910, or the Red Cross, (907) 283-4556, if you have questions about evacuation shelters.
Kim Lorentzen writes for the Kenai Peninsula Citizen Corps. Glenda Landua is the Citizen Corps Coordinator in the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management (262-4910).
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