How to Pack for an Evacuation During a Natural Disaster
August 21, 2024
Natural disasters can affect anyone, and you never know when you’ll need to leave your home to stay safe. Evacuations for imminent danger like wildfires and large storms can be called for with little warning. Where KYSEK is headquartered, it’s not uncommon to evacuate for hurricanes. With that in mind, here’s some information about evacuating and packing for an evacuation including some gear from KYSEK that may come in handy.
Before hitting the road, know where you’re going and where you’ll stay when you get there. Get a full tank of gas ahead of time because you may be stuck in traffic for hours. Be sure your tires are properly inflated and that you’ve got a good spare. A tire inflator device, jumper cables, phone charging cables, and a map (in case your phone loses signal) may come in handy, too. For wintry conditions, also pack an ice scraper and sand or litter for traction on ice. You should also have a first aid kit.
You may be in your car for a long time if many people are evacuating or if there’s a mandatory evacuation. Please drive safely! There can be moments of hard braking especially near interstate exits, and vehicles may break down under the extreme conditions.
During the drive, restaurants and gas stations may be closed or just not be easy to get to. You should have some food and beverages readily available in the car.
TREKKER LT BACKPACK ICE CHEST
The Trekker LT, KYSEK’s soft-side backpack cooler, is a good option for tight spaces. It’s light and flexible, and keeps drinks cold for hours. You should have plenty of water available for each person and pet. This is not just for the drive, but in case of a breakdown or the inability to continue driving if you become stuck in snow. When unpacking the car, the Trekker LT can easily be transported with the backpack straps, and it can be folded up to be stored under a car seat.
SCOUT
Non-perishable foods like granola bars, trail mix, jerky, nuts, and dried fruit are best for long drives. There are some perishable foods that you can take safely with KYSEK products. The Scout is a small version of our ice chest that can be used for medications that need to be kept cold as well as foods that should be or can be refrigerated. The Scout has a reusable ice pack that can be frozen ahead of time and placed in the bottom so that the contents stay cold and dry. Sandwiches, meat and cheese meal kits, and fruits and vegetables are great for this device. The included multi-tool has screwdrivers, bottle opener, and a variety of other items that may come in handy along the way. The Scout includes a bottle for more water, hot coffee, or even soup.
TOTE BAG AND DUFFEL BAG
Our canvas Tote Bag and Duffel Bag make great traveling companions. Your space is limited in the car, so you should focus on personal items that you’ll need for at least a few days, important documents, and items that cannot be replaced like family photos and heirlooms.
Each member of the family should pack enough clothing and undergarments for at least a few days. You may be away from your home for longer than anticipated, so be aware that purchasing new clothes may become costly. Personal hygiene items may be better kept in large plastic bags to avoid leaks onto your clothes. Don’t forget your prescription medication which should be kept in their labeled containers. You may need that information for refills. Precious items and important documents like passports, birth certificates, insurance documents, deeds, titles, and even cash should also be kept in waterproof or plastic bags to avoid destruction from liquids.
We hope that you never have to put these evacuation plans in place, but they are good to have just in case. Good luck out there and be safe!