Emergency Evacuation Plans or Escape Plans

Emergency Evacuation Plans (or as I call them EEP's)  are very important for your survival. Sure, having a safe place to go to in an emergency is essential, but it won't do you any good if you can't get there! That is why an EEP (Emergency Evacuation Plan) is important. You need at least two different escape routes out of any given area. If one way is blocked, then you have the backup plan. You can never be too careful in my opinion and even a 3rd pr 4th alternate route out in an emergency is not a bad idea.

The whole idea is to get out. Your preferred route may be blocked by debris, or there may be a traffic jam,  or it might be overrun by hostiles. Having another way out can save your life and the lives or your loved ones.

Here are some steps to take to prepare for getting out in an emergency evacuation situation.

1. Make sure you have detailed maps (especially road maps) for your state and the states around yours. Make sure you have a good road map of the city you live in and the cities closest to you.

2. Make a plan to get out and a final destination place. Your minimum safe distance from your current location to your final destination or bug out spot should be around 100 miles away from your current location further if possible.

3. Use your maps to mark alternate routes to take to get to your bug out location. That way if something gets in your way you have another way to go to get to your safe place.

4. Make sure you have three or four different routes marked on city maps of how you can get from work to your home in an emergency situation. It won't do you any good to plan an escape route out of town if you can't make it home from work to get your gear  and your family together.

5. Practice makes perfect. Practice your routes from work to home and your routes out of town. You want to be as familiar as possible with your routes so that you will be prepared for anything out of the normal that might affect your progress.

6. Make sure to label your routes on your map. Route 1, route 2, route 3, and so on. Keep track of any potential problem areas on the way. Low water crossings, bridges that might go out, etc. Have a plan on what to do should you hit a problem in one of the areas.

7. Go over your routes and plans with our family. Make sure all of your family is familiar with your plans and your routes. If you are accidently split up, this will help you all get back together again safely.

8.  Make sure you have more than one copy of your map and evacuation plan! If your first one is lost you will be in deep shit if you don't have a back up. Make sure each of your family members has a copy of your plans. Again if you are split up this will help your family reconnect. Also make sure your have copies in all vehicles, all bug out bags, at your home, at your work place, and in potential safe spots on your route to your bug out location.

9.  Have drop points or other potential safe spots along your route to rest, to refuel, and to store supplies you might need on your way to your final destination. It is always a good idea to have extra fuel and food/water stored in an additional safe area along your route in case you need it.

EEP's or Emergency Evacuation plans can save the lives or you and your loved ones! Be prepared and make one today and explain it to your whole family so they know what to do and know what to expect in an emergency situation.