You Survived the Evacuation, Can You Survive the Shelter?

Ok, you have been evacuated and you survived the emergency. You were prepared and had your 72 hour kit ready. You grabbed everything you needed and made it safely to the emergency shelter. Now the question is; can you survive the shelter? Being prepared for what to expect, when forced to stay in an evacuation shelter for 2-3 days, will go a long way in making it a tolerable visit.

First, be prepared for the lack of privacy. Your 72 hour kit has the essentials that you need to survive, consider adding some items that will increase your comfort level. Ear plugs, think 100 people sleeping in 1 big room, chances are you are going to have several people within earshot that snore. Restful sleep goes a long way towards making a bad ordeal bearable. When grabbing pillows consider allowing each family member to bring their personal pillow, just that touch of home may help to comfort children. For additional moments of privacy consider taking your family out to your vehicle if possible to have some quiet family time. An extra sheet that can be draped to section off a small space for your family will help. Personal DVD players, CD players, i-Pods® or radios will allow you to disconnect from your surroundings for a while; don’t forget headphones and extra batteries.

Second, be prepared to wait in line for some services or conveniences. Food lines, overcrowded bathrooms, limited water availability are real possibilities. Having some snacks will allow you to eat something while waiting for the chow line to diminish. A sealable bucket that can be use as an emergency toilet can help with a child’s immediate need to go, move to a secluded area or drape a sheet around them for privacy. Your own supply of water will be a valuable asset. Above all be patient and understanding, everyone is in the same situation. Use the opportunity to show your children examples of appropriate and inappropriate behavior, make it a leaning experience. Set the proper example.

Third, stay busy either with the activities that you have brought to entertain or by volunteering to assist with chores around the shelter. Time passes slowly when sitting and watching a clock. You will be surprised at how fast the day goes if you busy yourself helping others. Offer to organize children’s activities, start a card game or set up a small DVD viewing for children, if you are so equipped. Group activities like trivia, sing a-longs, party games and other such fun will help pass the time. Remember, not everyone will want to participate, so respect the rights of others. Have your activities in designated places that allow other to separate themselves if they desire. Sweep floors or do dishes if necessary, anything to keep active is better that sitting and sulking.

Lastly, stay focused and organized. Should conditions warrant you may be required to move to a safer facility. Be prepared to grab and go on short notice. Just knowing what to expect and anticipating potential problems will help make your ordeal less traumatic. Consider planning a weekend family campout as a test run for an actual evacuation. What you learn from that experience may be invaluable. Stay safe and keep prepping.