The short answer
Map Your Exits
Walk through your home and identify two ways out of each room. The main door is the first route. A window or a secondary door is the second. Make sure every window opens easily and screens pop out. If you live in a two-story house, check that the escape ladder is stored where you can reach it quickly.
Draw a simple floor plan and mark each exit with a marker. Post the plan on the fridge and in each bedroom. Teach every person in the house to read it, even young children. For rooms on the upper floor, practice lowering yourself from the window to the ground. This step prevents confusion when stress is high.
- Two exits from each room
- Windows open and screens removable
- Escape ladder for upstairs rooms
- Floor plan posted in visible spots
- Practice opening every exit once a month
Pick a Meeting Spot
Choose a safe place outside your home where everyone gathers after escaping. A neighbor's front yard or a specific tree across the street works well. Make sure the spot is far enough from the house to avoid falling debris or flooding. Write the address of the meeting spot on your plan.
Pick a second meeting spot outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home. This could be a community center or a relative's house. Share both locations with every household member. If you live in Mesa, keep the meeting spots written on a card in your wallet and in your go-bag.
Assign one adult to do a head count at the meeting spot. That person checks that everyone is present. If someone is missing, tell the emergency responders, not go back inside. This rule saves lives because re-entering a damaged home is dangerous.
- One spot near the home
- One spot outside the neighborhood
- Addresses written on cards
- One adult does the head count
- Never re-enter for missing people
Plan for Pets and Helpers
Decide who is responsible for each pet and any person who needs extra help. Write these roles down. For example, one adult handles the dog, another helps a child with mobility issues. If you have a cat, keep a carrier near the exit. Practice leashing and crating pets quickly.
If someone in the home uses a wheelchair or walker, plan how that person gets out. This might mean assigning two people to carry the person down stairs. Keep a list of medicines and medical devices in the go-bag. Review these assignments every few months so they stay fresh in everyone's mind.
Build a Go-Bag
A go-bag holds the essentials you need for 24 to 72 hours. Pack water bottles, non-perishable snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. Include copies of insurance policies, IDs, and a list of medicines. Add a flashlight, a phone charger, and a change of clothes. Keep the bag by the front door or in the garage.
For water damage events, add a pair of rubber boots and work gloves. These protect you from contaminated water and sharp debris. Also pack a whistle to signal for help. Check the bag every six months and swap out expired food and batteries. If you live in Mesa, refresh the water supply before the hot season.
Practice and Update
Run a full evacuation drill twice a year. Time how long it takes to get everyone to the meeting spot. Aim for under two minutes. After the drill, talk about what went wrong and fix it. For example, if the front door sticks, fix the latch or choose a different main exit.
Update the plan after any major life change. This includes adding a baby, adopting a pet, or moving someone to a different bedroom. Also review the plan after a flood or storm that affects your home. If water damage has blocked an exit, adjust your routes. For help with cleanup after a flood, local water damage pros can handle the restoration work.
Keep the plan visible and revisit it with guests who stay overnight. Tell visitors about the two exits from their room. A quick reminder helps them react faster. The more often you review, the more automatic the steps become.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
What should be in a go-bag for water damage?
Pack water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Add rubber boots, work gloves, and copies of insurance documents. Include medicines and a phone charger. Check the bag every six months and replace expired items. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
How often should I practice my evacuation plan?
Run a full drill twice a year. Also practice after any major change to your home, like a new baby, pet, or a remodel. Quick practice sessions every few months help everyone remember the steps.
What if an exit is blocked by water or debris?
Use your second exit route. If both are blocked, move to an upper floor and call for help. Signal with a flashlight or whistle. Do not wade into floodwater unless you have no other option.