How to Prepare for a Disaster Evacuation

You can't predict when a disaster may force you to leave home, so make sure you know how to react before, during and after the event.

Before Disaster Strikes

Consult your insurance professionals. Review all of your policies: auto, home or renters, valuables, flood, life and health. Be sure you have adequate coverage to help you fully recover after a loss. Also, be sure you understand what is and is not covered and your deductible levels. Here's why:

• Wind or hurricane coverage may be offered as a separate policy or as a special endorsement.
• Earthquake and earth movement may not be covered.
• Evacuation expenses may only be covered if your property sustains a loss.
• Certain types of property may have limitations under homeowners and renters policies.
• Coverage suspensions could restrict your access to coverage or prohibit policy adjustments.
• Flood policies may have a 30-day waiting period before they're effective.
• Life and health insurance are important if you are injured (or worse) as a result of a disaster.

Establish a disaster fund. Create a disaster fund in addition to your basic emergency fund, which should cover three to six months' worth of living expenses. Use the USAA Goal Planning Tools to set savings targets and track progress.

Discuss a rendezvous point. Because some family members may be in different locations, pick a meeting place in a safe area away from home.

Create a car emergency kit. Include a phone charger, flashlight, spare tire and jumper cables. Check periodically to make sure each item is still usable.

Pack a travel bag for each family member. Besides clothes and toiletries, include a blanket for each person and sturdy shoes. Also, pack extra keys to your home and vehicles, cash in small bills, emergency contact information and a home inventory to help file an insurance claim.

Have your smartphone ready. Download banking, insurance and emergency service mobile apps, such as the USAA Mobile App, now so they'll be available in a crisis. During a disaster, texting may be more reliable than calling because it uses less bandwidth. Create a texting tree that includes a list of contacts. Sign up for text alerts from your city and insurance company, if available.

When You Get the Order to Evacuate

If authorities order you to get out immediately, go right then. If you have at least 24 hours, follow these guidelines:

Seek refuge. Contact emergency organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or Federal Emergency Management Agency for shelter information. If you have animals, research local facilities that will provide temporary shelter or find hotels that allow pets.

Pack emergency supplies. Include a first-aid kit, a radio with extra batteries, one gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food and a manual can opener, medicines, smartphone chargers including one for your car, and food and supplies for your pets. Aim for your supplies to last at least two to three days.

Plan your route. Get gas as soon as possible and check online for road closures and authorized evacuation routes. Don't take shortcuts.

Gather important papers. In addition to financial account information, take birth and marriage certificates, passports, Social Security cards, wills, deeds, recent tax returns, and stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates. Inform extended family and employers. Tell a family member about your planned destination and route, and notify your employer.

Secure your home. Lock doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment, such as appliances and electronics, but leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in. Post a note saying when you left and where you're headed.

When You Return

Make safety your top priority. Return home only when local authorities say it's safe. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves, and look out for exposed nails, sharp metal and other hazards like downed power lines and possible gas leaks.

Report property damage to USAA as soon as possible. USAA members can report a claim and check the status of an existing claim, schedule an appraisal, reserve a rental car and find a USAA-approved repair shop through the USAA Mobile App, usaa.com or by calling 800-531-8722.