USAA member guide to natural disaster evacuation

Evacuation tips for USAA members directly before and during a wildfire, hurricane or other natural disaster

Pack emergency supplies. Include a first-aid kit, a radio with extra batteries, one gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food and a manual can opener, medicines, smartphone chargers including one for your car, and food and supplies for your pets. Aim for your supplies to last at least two to three days.

Plan your route. Get gas as soon as possible and check online for road closures and authorized evacuation routes. Don't take shortcuts.

Gather important papers. In addition to financial account information, take birth and marriage certificates, passports, Social Security cards, wills, deeds, recent tax returns, and stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates.

Inform extended family and employers. Tell a family member about your planned destination and route and notify your employer.

Secure your home. Lock doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment, such as appliances and electronics, but leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in.

Seek refuge. Contact emergency organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or Federal Emergency Management Agency for shelter information. If you have animals, research local facilities that provide temporary shelter or find hotels that allow for pets. If you're anticipating or currently being evacuated and need a safe place to stay, USAA members can book discounted evacuation housing.

Wildfires and hurricanes are the perils that members evacuate from most frequently. Visit our Stay Safe pages for more tips and advice.
Stay safe during a wildfire
Stay safe during a hurricane

We're here to help ease your fears and overcome obstacles to natural disaster evacuation.

Emotional and mental health: It's important to keep emotional well-being in mind when making the decision on whether to evacuate. We've learned from members that survived disasters that staying behind during a catastrophe can have a huge impact on mental health.

Damage and looting: Social scientific studies have repeatedly demonstrated behaviors like looting are relatively rare, and crime rates tend to decline following disaster impact. (Sources: NCBI, NIH, FEMA)

Tragic overconfidence: With natural disasters on the rise, storms are getting stronger and fires are getting more intense. Even if you stayed behind in the past, that doesn't mean you'll have the same experience.

Pets and animals: Pack emergency supplies for each pet like food, water and medications. Use a resource like Pets Welcome to find pet-friendly lodging near you. Shelters are another resource for pets during a wildfire, hurricane or other natural disaster.

Disability and transportation: There may be local resources available to you. Contact your city or state to see if you can be put on a list of people who need help evacuating during a natural disaster.

What are some steps I can take after a natural disaster to recover more quickly?

Make safety your top priority. Return home only when local authorities say it's safe. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves, and look out for exposed nails, sharp metal and other hazards like downed power lines and possible gas leaks.

Report property damage to USAA as soon as possible. USAA members can report a claim, check status, schedule appraisals and communicate with adjusters by calling 800-531-8722, through the USAA Mobile App, or online at usaa.com.

Reach out to your friends and neighbors for help. People who have evacuated from a natural disaster often report lasting emotional effects. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Visit USAA's Natural Disaster Recovery page. You'll get a wealth of tips and advice on how to recover from a wildfire, hurricane or any other natural disaster.
Natural disaster recovery

What can USAA members do well before a hurricane or wildfire to prepare their home and family?

Consult your insurance professionals. Review all your policies: auto, home or renters, valuables, flood, life and health. Be sure you have adequate coverage to help fully recover after a loss. Also, be sure you understand what is and isn't covered and your deductible levels. Here's why.

• Wind or hurricane coverage may be offered as a separate policy or as a special endorsement.
• Earthquake and earth movement may not be covered.
• Evacuation expenses may only be covered if your property sustains a loss.
• Certain types of property may have limitations under homeowners and renters policies.
• Coverage suspensions could restrict your access to coverage or prohibit policy adjustments.
• Flood policies may have a 30-day waiting period before they're effective.
• Life and health insurance are important if you are injured (or worse) because of a disaster.

Establish a disaster fund. Create a disaster fund in addition to your basic emergency fund, which should cover three to six months' worth of living expenses. Use our free online budgeting tool to set savings targets and track progress.

Discuss a rendezvous point. Because some family members may be in different locations, pick a meeting place in a safe area away from home.

Create a car emergency kit. Include a phone charger, flashlight, spare tire and jumper cables. Check periodically to make sure each item is still usable.

Pack a travel bag for each family member. Besides clothes and toiletries, include a blanket for each person and sturdy shoes. Also, pack extra keys to your home and vehicles, cash in small bills, emergency contact information and a home inventory to help file an insurance claim.

Have your smartphone ready. Download banking, insurance and emergency service mobile apps, such as the USAA Mobile App, now so they'll be available in a crisis. During a disaster, texting may be more reliable than calling because it uses less bandwidth. Create a texting tree that includes a list of contacts. Sign up for text alerts from your city and insurance company, if available.
Download the USAA Mobile App