Preparedness Tip 3: Prepare an Evacuation Plan

Protecting our precious families is paramount during a disaster. Planning an emergency evacuation plan before a storm strikes can help ensure their safety. Fort Bend County is a pass-through county and does not evacuate for hurricanes. However, if you choose to leave the area, officials recommend taking these strategic steps to be prepared:

• Residents with access and functional needs should dial 211 for guidance/assistance and register with Enable Fort Bend, a county agency in the Health and Human Services department.
• Decide a specific location/locations where your family will travel when you evacuate
• Familiarize yourselves with local evacuation travel routes; monitor news reports to avoid traffic congestion and delays
• Drive the emergency routes and plot alternative routes on a map
• Fill up gas tanks
• Make sure cell phones are fully charged; purchase calling cards for pay phones in case cell phones aren't available; program "ICE" (in case of emergency) numbers in all cell phones
• Pack a few travel bags with important documents, food, water, medicines, medical equipment, clothing and shoes
• Have a family communication plan. Identify a relative who lives outside the area that all family members can call to inform of their location/condition in the event you are separated during or after the disaster
• Protect your pets: Have a pet-emergency kit ready including food, water, medicines and supplies