Jan 1, 2008 12:04 pm US/Eastern
Hurricane Preparedness - Create An Evacuation Plan
(CBS)
If authorities are not ordering evacuations, the decision to whether to stay at home or leave the area is up to you.
Be sure you've thought things through and discussed them with your family ahead of time so you can calmly put your plan into action when the storm approaches.
In addition, designate someone to be your out-of-state contact, a person you'll call to let them know your whereabouts when a hurricane alert is issued.
Every person's situation is different, but here are some guidelines to follow.
Consider Staying If: - You do not live in an evacuation zone
- Your home is built to the current standard building code for areas affected by hurricanes
- You do not live in a mobile or manufactured home
- You have properly trimmed trees and removed all debris from your property
- You have installed permanent hurricane shutters, or you have and know how to install temporary hurricane shutters and a garage door brace
- You have prepared a disaster survival kit, including two weeks of food and water, first aid, a battery-operated radio or TV, one month's supply of prescription medication and cash.
- You have a safe room in your home to ride out the storm
Consider Leaving If:- You live in an evacuation zone
- You live in an area susceptible to inland flooding or storm surge
- Your home is not built to code or you live in a mobile or manufactured home
- You can leave early enough to evacuate within estimated regional clearance times. Getting stuck in the open during a hurricane is dangerous.
Regardless of whether you choose to stay or go, know where the nearest evacuation shelters are in your area. To find out, contact your local emergency management office. State office information can be found in the "Hurricane Preparedness" section of the National Hurricane Center
Web site.
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