Plan early in case of evacuation

SUN HERALD

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Develop a family hurricane preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area.

� If ordered to evacuate, do not wait or delay your departure. If possible, leave before local officials issue an evacuation order for your area. Even a slight delay in starting your evacuation will result in significantly longer travel times as traffic congestion worsens.

� Select an evacuation destination that is nearest to your home, preferably in the same county, or at least minimize the distance over which you must travel in order to reach your intended shelter location. In choosing your destination, keep in mind that the hotels and other sheltering options are likely to be filled quickly.

� If you decide to evacuate to another county or region, be prepared to wait in traffic. The large number of people in this state who must evacuate during a hurricane will probably cause massive delays and major congestion along most designated evacuation routes; the larger the storm, the greater the probability of traffic jams and extended travel times. If possible, make arrangements to stay with the friend or relative who resides closest to your home and who will not have to evacuate. Discuss with your intended host the details of your family evacuation plan well before the beginning of the hurricane season.

� If a hotel or motel is your final intended destination during an evacuation, make reservations before you leave. Most hotel and motels will fill quickly once evacuations begin. The longer you wait to make reservations, even if an official evacuation order has not been issued for your area or county, the less likely you are to find hotel/motel room vacancies, especially along interstate highways and in major metropolitan areas.

� If you are unable to stay with friends or family and no hotels/motels rooms are available, then as a last resort go to a shelter. Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort and do not usually accept pets. Bring your disaster supply kit with you to the shelter. Find pet-friendly hotels and motels.

If you go to a shelter, bring the following:

� Water: one gallon per person, per day.

� Food: Non-perishable, needing little or no cooking.Manual can opener. Eating and drinking utensils including paper plates. Ice chest with ice.

� Clothing and bedding: One complete change of clothing including footwear. Sleeping bag, blanket and pillow (cots for elderly) � cots will not be provided. Rain gear and sturdy shoes.

� Personal items: Washcloth, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, toilet paper, towelettes, etc.

� Medications: clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and prescribing physician. You must be able to take all medications by yourself. First-Aid kit in a waterproof box.

� Baby supplies: Clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, nipples, food, blankets.

� Important papers: Name and address of doctors. Name and address of nearest relative not living in area. Identification and valuable papers.

� Miscellaneous: Games, cards, toys, battery powered radios, flashlights (no candles or lanterns), batteries, or other reasonable items you may need.

� Special notes: Take a bath and eat before you leave home. Register immediately upon entering the shelter. Obey shelter rules. Keep the building safe and sanitary.