House Evacuation Plan List

Escape Routes

• The National Terror Alert Response Center recommends that you have two escape routes from each room. These routes generally include the door to the room and a window. All rooms with second-story windows should contain a rope ladder. Teach children how to use the ladder, and practice a few times to make sure they understand.

Meeting Spots

• You should designate one spot that all the family members will go to first after evacuating. Whether it is a tree in the yard or your kid's swing set, choose a designated spot so you can regroup and know immediately if someone did not make it out. Consider choosing more than one spot in case there is a natural disaster that makes your primary spot unsafe. Be sure to clarify which one is used first or which one is used in which kind of emergency.

Keepsakes

• With so many valuable memories and keepsakes stored in one location, you will need to choose quickly what to take and what to leave. Make a list of the top things that you would want to take from the house if you had to leave suddenly. Keep photos and videos backed up on CD or an external hard drive for easy retrieval.

Family Contacts

• Keep a list with the evacuation plans of people to call in case of emergency. Aside from the police, fire department and EMS, choose family members that live outside your area to contact in case of an emergency or if family gets separated. If each member of the family calls this person to check in, they can keep track of where everyone is and help get everyone back together.

Maps

• After the plan has been developed, draw a visual aid for younger children who may not be able to read yet. Also, when a disaster strikes, people are not always thinking clearly. A drawing for each member of the family may be helpful so when the adrenaline kicks in, family members can still make it out of the house and to the meeting spot safely.

Evacuation Supplies

• Each person in the home should have a bag prepared with nonperishable food, water and batteries that can be taken if you have to evacuate. Include a flashlight and a two-way radio so if family members get separated they can keep in contact. Keep these bags fresh by replacing the food and water every few months. Check the batteries and keep extras on hand for easy replacement.