Make a family emergency plan: Be prepared when severe weather arrives

Whether it's snow or severe storms, it's important to make a family emergency plan and be ready when severe weather strikes.

North Carolina can be hit with tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, power outages and blizzards, and ReadyNC.gov encourages families to know where they can evacuate if needed, how they will communicate and to have a three day emergency supply kit ready at all times.

Start by filling out this form to get a printable PDF emergency plan to share with your family. Next, make sure everyone in your household has discussed the following and knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Stay in communication

Know emergency contacts

Every family member, especially young children, should carry a contact card in their purse, wallet or backpack listing address and emergency contacts.

People with cellphones should put "ICE," which stands for "in case of emergency," in front of their emergency contacts because first responders will often check ICE contacts during an emergency.

When severe weather hits, it can be helpful to have at least one out-of-state contact since it may be easier to make long-distance calls during an emergency.

Identify a meeting place

In case of a house fire or other immediate emergency, pick a nearby spot to meet, like a friendly neighbor's home. Make sure everyone in your household knows your meeting location.

Talk to children

Make sure children know what to do if they are home alone when a fire alarm sounds or during a severe weather event or emergency. This can vary from calling a neighbor, sheltering in place away from windows or leaving the house and standing in the yard until help arrives.

Get to know your home

Turn off utilities

ReadyNC.gov recommends people learn ahead of time how to turn off their water, gas and electricity safely. Never try to turn gas back on; always call a trained expert.

Know where to shelter in place

When there is no time to evacuate, it's important to know where to shelter in your home. During a tornado, shelter in the lowest possible level of your home away from doors and windows. A basement is best; for families without basements, this may be a small downstairs bathroom or closet.

Review your home insurance policy

Having an understanding of your home insurance policy is important as you prepare for a hurricane — or any other catastrophic event.

It's important that your home insurance policy is up-to-date and that you know what it covers.

Document your belongings

If you have not already, create a comprehensive inventory of your belongings. Take photographs or videos of each room, including valuable items like jewelry, technology and art. If possible, also take corresponding photos of their receipts or proof of purchase. This documentation will be crucial when filing a claim.

Time to evacuate

In July 2020, North Carolina launched the Know Your Zone evacuation tool.

Whether you're near the coast and at risk for flooding or live near a nuclear power plant, ReadyNC.gov has tools to help residents know what to do and where to go in the event of an evacuation.

ReadyNC.gov lists these guidelines for evacuating:

• Listen to local media.
• Fill your car with gasoline. Take only one vehicle to lower the amount of traffic.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Plan where your family will meet and go. Tell family or friends of your plans.
• If possible, stay with family or friends in a safe area. Next, try a motel or hotel. As a last resort, go to a shelter. Remember, shelters are not made for comfort and should be places of last resort.
• Map out your path, using major roads. If local officials suggest certain evacuation routes, use those roads
• Always take pets with you when evacuating.
• Don't forget emergency kits for your family and pets. Bring key family papers.
• Bring extra cash. Banks may be closed, and cash tellers may not work.
• Lock doors and windows before leaving your house. Unplug radios, toasters, televisions and small appliances. Be sure to turn off water, gas and power.
• Ask neighbors if they need a ride.

Planning your route

When a storm is forecast, learn the evacuation route from your location and the amount of time needed to evacuate. Think about where you will go.

If you live in a mobile home, plan to move to a safer structure. No mobile or manufactured home is safe in hurricane-force winds.

Map out your evacuation route. Determine how long it will take to pick up everyone in your family, and notify other family members where you plan to be.

Learn the evacuation route from your location and the amount of time needed to evacuate.

Evacuation routes are marked with circular blue signs that state "Evacuation Route." Drivers should not stray from these routes. Law enforcement and emergency responders are paying attention to them first, and the routes go to areas where food, water and shelter are available.

For updates on road conditions and closures, call 511 toll-free or check out the North Carolina Department of Transportation's online Travel Information System. Information will also be posted on message boards along the evacuation routes.

Planning to leave

• Before you leave home, turn off gas, water and electricity. Lock the door.
• Bring your pets with you.
• Fill up your car with gas.
• Take blankets, first-aid supplies, medicine, several days’ clothing and essential personal items to the nearest shelter.
• Bring water and nonperishable snacks for the trip, because restaurants and gas stations might not be open.
• Do not travel farther than necessary.
• Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so.

Build an emergency supply kit

Emergency supplies

Have an emergency supply kit ready so you can take it with you during an evacuation or when you are forced to stay at home for days. Start with an easy-to-transport, waterproof container and fill it with the following, depending on your family's needs:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day (a week's supply of water is preferable)
• Water purification kit or bleach
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals
• Non-electric can opener
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes
• Blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Portable radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Essential medications and personal hygiene items
• Extra house and car keys
• Fire extinguisher
• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
• Food, water, leash and carrier for pets
• Cash and change
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toilet paper

Prepare your paperwork

Start with a portable, waterproof (airtight) bag that's brightly colored, so you can quickly find it in the dark. Diving equipment shops stock the ideal bag, but gallon-sized or larger zip-lock bags will do in a pinch.

Print this checklist and keep it inside your waterproof bag to help you collect the items listed below:

• Driver's license, photo ID
• Emergency contact list or address book (even if contacts are stored in a smartphone)
• Insurance policies (health, home, auto)
• Vital documents (birth certificates, passports, wills)
• Bank account information (account numbers, passwords)
• Photocopies of credit and debit cards (front and back)
• Stock certificates, investment information
• Extra keys (home, safe deposit box, office and car)

Don't forget your pets

Always take your pets with you in the event of an evacuation. Pets and their needed supplies, including food, water and medicines, should be included in your family emergency plan. All shelters should have accommodations for pets, but pets may need to be kept in a crate in a separate location.

It's important to make sure pets have ID tags and, if applicable, a microchip with your current contact information.

What to do after a severe weather emergency

During any emergency, let friends and loved ones know you're safe once the threat has passed.

After a severe weather emergency:

• Take photos of any property damage. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
• If you evacuated, return after authorities say it's safe to do so.
• Be alert for tornadoes. They can be spawned by hurricanes.
• Avoid contact with floodwaters. They may be contaminated
• Do NOT walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.
• Watch out for downed or unstable trees, poles and power lines.
• Do not drink tap water until authorities say it is safe.