Local Maps

In an age of GPS and smartphone navigation, physical maps may seem outdated, but in a disaster, they can be a lifesaver. When power outages knock out cellular networks and GPS signals are unreliable, your digital navigation tools will fail. A physical map of your local area is a reliable, battery-free tool that ensures you can navigate to safety. Its primary purpose is to provide you with a visual guide to your surroundings, helping you find evacuation routes, locate shelters, or navigate around impassable roads.

Your kit should include detailed, high-quality paper maps of your city, county, and state. Laminated maps are an excellent choice as they are waterproof and durable. Before an emergency, take the time to study the maps with your family. Mark key locations, such as your home, workplaces, schools, designated family meeting spots, and potential evacuation destinations. Highlight multiple routes to get to these locations, as your primary route may be blocked. You should also know how to read a map and use a compass, a skill that is invaluable if you are in an unfamiliar area without landmarks.

A physical map is a cornerstone of a resilient navigation plan. It embodies the preparedness principle of not relying on a single, fragile system. In a large-scale evacuation, traffic can be immense, and official routes can become jammed. A map might show you smaller, alternative back roads that could get you to safety more quickly. This simple, low-tech tool provides a critical layer of redundancy and empowers you to make informed navigation decisions when your technology fails.