Why this matters
Keep vehicles maintained and avoid letting fuel or charge fall below the level needed for local evacuation. Store a small seasonal travel kit, but secure heavy items so they cannot become projectiles.
People without cars need equal attention. Map walking routes, accessible transport, community pickup, taxis, public shelter transport and safe places along frequent journeys. Consider how children, animals and equipment would move.
Before disruption
Prepare now
- Maintain tyres, fluids, brakes, lights, wipers and seasonal equipment according to professional guidance.
- Keep a phone charger, torch, visibility aid, water, simple food, warm or sun-protective layers and first-aid supplies.
- Store paper maps and write down alternative routes, fuel or charging locations and assistance numbers.
- Arrange backup transport with someone who understands access, child-seat, animal and equipment needs.
- Tell a trusted person the route and expected arrival for remote or high-risk journeys.
When it is happening
Protect the next decision
- Obey closures and never drive through floodwater, fire zones, debris or other restricted hazards.
- If stranded, contact emergency or roadside help and make yourself visible without entering traffic danger.
- Leave the vehicle if authorities direct it or if fire, water, fumes, heat or location make it unsafe.
- Conserve battery and fuel while maintaining safe temperature and ventilation.
Plan for real people
Access, care and inclusion
- Keep required child restraints, mobility transfers and animal restraints ready and correctly fitted.
- Plan breaks, medicine timing, continence, sensory comfort and charging on longer evacuation routes.
- Make travel information available in large print, audio or simple written form where useful.
- Include people who cannot drive, do not have documents or cannot afford emergency travel.
Mental readiness
Protect morale and clear thinking
- Keep familiar music or spoken audio downloaded for calm, without masking warnings or traffic sounds.
- Use regular check-ins rather than constant route speculation.
- Carry one small comfort snack or drink only after water, health and safety needs are covered.
Common mistakes
What to avoid
- Driving around barriers or following an app into a closed or hazardous route.
- Running a vehicle in an enclosed garage or using it as an indoor power source.
- Leaving people or animals in unsafe vehicle temperatures.
Evidence and review
Sources behind this guide
Prepare Now uses authoritative government, humanitarian and public-health material as a starting point. Source advice can be specific to a country, hazard or date, so check the current version for your location.
- Build a KitFEMA
- Work Out What Supplies You NeedNew Zealand National Emergency Management Agency
- Planning Ahead for Crises and DisastersGerman Federal Office of Civil Protection
- Floods Response and Safety TipsSouth African Government
Editorial status: first staging edition. Safety-critical instructions will receive specialist and jurisdiction review before public launch.