At the start of the season work out your plan. Determine if you are in an evacuation zone, flood zone or live in a vulnerable structure. Come up with alternative places to stay. Even if you are not in an evacuation zone but feel you may want to evacuate should it appear your town will be taking a direct hit, work out the details of what you are going to do.
Unsure if you live in an evacuation zone? Call your city hall or your county’s Office of Emergency Management.
If you live in an evacuation zone, a mobile home, or in an area that is prone to flooding, you may be asked to leave.
Watch the news and listen to the radio. If you are told to evacuate DO IT! Do not risk your life or the lives of emergency workers by making the foolish mistake of thinking you will ride the storm out, only to end up in a dire situation.
If you live in an evacuation zone, make plans NOW. Ask friends and relatives who live outside the evacuation area and have a safe home if you can stay with them. BRING YOUR OWN SUPPLIES. Do not impose.
If you are considering staying at a hotel or are thinking about flying out---make arrangements in advance as rooms and flights will go quickly and airports may close when winds get too gusty.
If you are planning on driving to another location, leave early. Remember the roads can become like parking lots, leaving you in a very vulnerable position. And keep in mind, we have seen storms change paths. The worst place to be is in your car during a storm.
As a last resort head to a Red Cross Shelter. Have a list and know where they are in your area and know several routes to get there. Make sure you have packed these supplies:
• Your important papers and identification in waterproof container
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Personal toiletries
• Medications
• Nonperishable food and bottled water (2 quarts/person/day)
• Special items and dietary foods for babies and elderly family members
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
• Books, cards, toys for your children
• A carrying container for all your items
KNOW that only SERVICE animals will be allowed into a shelter and firearms and alcohol are prohibited.
Always have a plan on what area or friend out of the area you and your children will call should you become separated at any time.
