Video:Emergency Preparedness- 5 Tips

Transcript:Emergency Preparedness- 5 Tips

Hi, I'm Dan Zukowski for About.com Autos. I hope you never have to evacuate your home as I did after a heavy rain collapsed my roof, but -- whether you might face a hurricane, wild fire or earthquake - the time to think about evacuation is well before the danger hits.Tips to Evacuate by CarGetting yourself and your family out of harm's way and staying safe on the road requires some preparation. I'm going to give you five tips to help you get ready in case you have to evacuate.

So let's get started.

A good evacuation plan begins with the obvious -- but, of course, it's something we might not think about it until the time comes.
 

1. Know where you're going.
   The Red Cross recommends that you have some options: a friend's house out of town, a motel, and -- as a last resort -- a shelter. If you have pets, make sure you check ahead, as many shelters and motels won't take them.
2. Know your evacuation route. These are often marked on area roads. Also be aware of the path the storm is predicted to take, and don't drive straight into danger.
   Check newspaper and government web sites for local information, and find out if authorities in your area will set up contraflow lanes, dedicated to outbound traffic.
3. Expect long delays. Your neighbors will all be headed in the same direction, so have patience and leave early.
4. Keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Regularly check your fluids, your tires and tire pressures.
5. When a hurricane or other danger is approaching, fill up your gas tank. Power may go out, making station pumps inoperative, or there may be long lines after a disaster.

Prepare in advance, and if you have to evacuate, you'll be ready.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at Autos.About.com.