LISTEN: When a hurricane is coming, evacuations are common in places at risk for high winds, severe flooding and property damage. So what’s the best way to prepare when you might need to leave in a hurry? GPB's Chase McGee reports.

Hurricane preparation items unpacked on a table.

Experts say items in the "Emergency Car Bag" can be left in a car full time, but be sure to add important documents and valuables closer to an evacuation.

Credit: Chase McGee / GPB News

When a hurricane is coming, evacuations are common in places at risk for high winds, severe flooding and property damage. So what’s the best way to prepare when you might need to leave in a hurry?

University of Georgia extension agent Elizabeth Weigle knows what people most rely on during an evacuation, and she recommends packing three bags — an emergency car bag, a daily hygiene bag, and what she calls a “coming home bag.”

The first two carry your clothes, hygiene products, non-perishable food and batteries, but that “coming home” bag prepares you for whatever damage that contaminated floodwaters have done to your home.

“It's critical because there's so many contaminants in the environment when people come back to those flood disaster areas," she said. "It just prevents health problems, safety issues.”

In a large waterproof bag, she said, pack steel toe boots, a hard hat, coveralls, a respirator, and other safety equipment.

Ideally, each family member should have their own gear to grab at a moment’s notice.

If you have time to prepare for an evacuation, make sure to pack items such as prescriptions, valuables and important documents that you can’t leave in the car full time. Otherwise, keep the emergency car bag and daily hygiene bag in your car, in case you become stranded away from home.

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