When evacuation orders come, focusing on the six P’s can save lives and reduce stress. First and foremost are people and pets — ensuring everyone gets to safety is the top priority. Papers come next, which means critical documents like IDs, insurance records and passports should be ready to grab quickly. Keep photos of these documents on your phone and in the cloud. Consider storing back-up prescriptions — including medications, glasses and medical devices — in a backpack in case there’s no time to gather them. Do the same for personal essentials for yourself and your family — an extra bag of diapers could save the day. Add some cash in case power is down and credit cards can’t be used.

Leveraging technology

Technology can play a critical role in keeping you informed and in touch during an emergency. Start by setting up emergency alerts on your smartphone through apps like FEMA, the Red Cross or local government services, and enable location services to receive real-time evacuation updates. Download offline maps from Google Maps in case cell service is disrupted. Apps like Apple’s Find My can help you track family members’ locations, while mesh-networking apps like Bridgefy allow short-range messaging if cellular service fails.

Smart home devices can be an invaluable ally in an emergency. Smoke detectors like Nest Protect alert you to danger and send real-time updates to your phone for when you’re away. Smart doorbells with cameras, such as Ring, allow you to assess outdoor conditions safely before stepping outside.

For extended emergencies, solar-powered tools can take over when your backup power runs down. Compact solar panels and chargers keep your devices powered even during prolonged outages. Solar lanterns double as phone chargers, providing both light and connectivity. Lightweight and portable, these tools are perfect for both car evacuations and on-foot escapes.

Packing your car for evacuation

Your vehicle is your lifeline during an evacuation, so it’s vital to have it prepped for emergencies. In addition to your well-stocked backpack with the essentials listed above, along with water, nonperishable snacks, first aid supplies, a flashlight, a multipurpose tool and gloves, estimate what you can pack in your car. Consider shelter supplies such as sleeping bags, emergency thermal blankets, a small fire extinguisher, duct tape, and more water and food. Then consider valuables and irreplaceable items. Keep your gas tank at least half full to ensure you can leave the area.

When the car isn’t an option

If the roads are blocked, you’ll need a plan for evacuating on foot. You’ll have your backpack, but you can also consider wearable tech, which doesn’t add to your load but can provide safeguards. Smartwatches with GPS and offline maps can provide guidance even if cell service is down. When it comes to packing, prioritize irreplaceable items and survival essentials over comfort or convenience.

Personal emergency response devices, or PERS, provide a reliable way to call for help during an emergency. For example, the Medical Guardian Mini Guardian, a small, lightweight pendant, allows users to press a button to contact emergency services or loved ones. It offers GPS tracking and cellular connectivity. The device costs around $125 with monthly service plans starting at $30.

The importance of what-if and community planning

What-if planning can help you stay calm in an emergency. Consider all kinds of scenarios: What if you’re home alone and must further prioritize what to take? What if your children are at school or you have guests unfamiliar with your area? Consider your neighbors: Will they need help with young children or would they have difficulty leaving the house on their own? Share evacuation plans and consider creating a neighborhood communication strategy using group texts or an app like Nextdoor.

Final tips for cool heads

Run practice evacuation drills with your household, but don’t stop there. Add what-if scenarios to your planning to ensure you’re ready for any situation. Regularly review and update your evacuation plan, making adjustments as needed for pets, new household members or health concerns. Take the time to label items and document valuables now to make post-disaster recovery much smoother, especially when dealing with insurance claims.

Staying cool under pressure is easier when you know you’re prepared. With careful planning, smart technology and strong connections with neighbors, you can face even the most chaotic moments with confidence. When the heat is on, a cool head and a solid plan can make all the difference.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.