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What to do in case of a Gustav evacuation

If you live in an area that could be in the path of Hurricane Gustav, here are some things to do to prepare.

If you must evacuate immediately, according to the Red Cross, grab needed medications for each family member, and a first-aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, non-perishable food items, blankets and pillows, at least one change of clothes for each family member, eyeglasses, diapers, personal hygiene supplies, drivers’ license, car keys and keys to the place where you will be staying, cash, credit cards and a checkbook.

Here are some other important steps if officials haven’t ordered an immediate evacuation. Hopefully, you already have your important documents ready to grab and take with you in a waterproof evacuation kit.

Take a list of important phone numbers, including the Tricare regional contractor, prescription services and Medicare, Tricare officials advise. Include copies of each family member’s military ID card. Also place a list of each family member’s prescription medications and their doses.

Take important documents such as wills, deeds, birth certificates, marriage certificate, copies of recent tax returns.

Pack your home inventory list. If you don’t have a list, and don’t have time for a complete inventory, quickly videotape and/or photograph every room using a digital or disposable camera. Open drawers and closets to photograph, and photograph items in the garage, basement and storage buildings. Once you have made your inventory or taken photographs of your home, e-mail the information to family or friends outside the hurricane threat area, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. If you have time, a home inventory checklist can be downloaded from the NAIC Web site, http://www.naic.org/index_disaster_section.htm.

Take a copy of your insurance policies as well as 24-hour contact information for your insurance agent and insurance company. Make sure you have your policy number. After the storm, if you can get access to the Internet, your insurance company may have a hotline number and other information on their Web site.

Remove debris and loose items such as lawn chairs from your yard that could become flying missiles in a hurricane. Make sure shutters, doors and windows are secure.

If you evacuate, turn off all utilities and disconnect appliances.

For more information: http://www.redcross.org; http://www.tricare.mil; http://www.naic.org.