Hurricanes

Hurricane Evacuation

The ability to study and monitor the growth and movement of any hurricane allows scientists and meteorologists to determine if and when they may become a danger to humans. Once it has been discovered that a hurricane will be hitting an area where people live, a warning will be issued to notify them of the upcoming danger. There are commonly three types of warnings depending on the severity of the storm: precautionary, recommended, and mandatory. When the storm is large and powerful enough, people will be called upon to evacuate their homes and head for safety.

Find a route.

Most states have maps of recommended evacuation routes to take during an emergency. When an evacuation becomes mandatory, residents will be notified of the best route to take based on the area they live in. It is important to follow the mandated route because it is designed to be the safest way out of any given area and to ensure that not every person from a single city will be taking the same route, which would lead to massive congestion and delayed evacuation time.

Take only what you need.

When an evacuation is called for, it is essential to move quickly. Evacuations are done only as a last resort to ensure the safety of people who are in the path of an oncoming hurricane. Those who must leave their homes should do so immediately, and gather only the absolute necessities that they can pack right away. Bring some extra clothes, food and water and get away as soon as you can.

Don't drive through water.

Another reason to take the recommended route is it will take you away from any natural bodies of water or other locations that are likely to flood. However, if you do come upon an area that is under water, it is best to turn around and go another way. Never drive across any water that is more than a few inches deep as it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Know your destination.

While you may not have time to plan where you are going if you are called upon to evacuate, it is best to determine a destination in advance, if possible. Call friends or family members and make arrangements to stay with them. If you intend to stay at a hotel, call ahead as soon as you can and make reservations. Hotels that are in safe zones that are nearby are likely to fill up quickly.

Hurricane aid

After the hurricane has died down and it is safe to return, you may find that your house has been damaged or even destroyed. When this happens, charitable organizations such as The Red Cross or Salvation Army will set up crisis centers in which they provide assistance in the form of medical attention, clothing, food and shelter to victims of the storm.

The most important thing to remember if you are called upon to evacuate your home is to remain calm and be safe. Leave as quickly as possible, but continue to obey the rules of the road and always keep in mind that many other people will be leaving their homes at the same time as you. Be respectful of others, keep your composure and get away safely.