Evacuation planning introduction

Evacuation Planning

For those who live on or along the East Coast, June 1st represents the traditional start of the Atlantic Hurricane season.  This also means the start of hurricane response season for the millions of individuals and families living in potential impact areas.  This is where pre-event planning and preparation comes into play.  While none of us want to leave our homes when our family’s safety is in question, evacuation is a real possibility, and the logistics associated with it need to be a major part of your planning process.

First, understand how long this will take. While most of us envision a 100-mile drive inland as taking a couple of hours, however, during a major event where entire zones are being evacuated, this process could take a day or more.  The more populated the area, the longer the evacuation will take.  If you are already within the 24-hour to-landfall timeframe and there is a possibility that you will be trapped in your car during the height of the storm, staying at home or in a designated shelter might be the safest option. Pay attention to forecast and be prepared to leave as soon as possible. The earlier you can get on the road, the better. Always have a bail out options and route in case you decide that going home or to a local shelter is the best option.  

This brings us to route planning. Many coastal communities have designated evacuation routes. These are roads where law enforcement and state agencies will make multi-lane highways into evacuation routes with all lanes running the same direction. If you use such a route, be sure you know where it is and how you will enter the flow of traffic. Entry points will be different than with normal traffic flow and will take more time. Most of all, pay attention to law enforcement personnel and alerts and be patient.

If you choose to leave early, have multiple evacuation routes in mind since others will have the same idea. Main roads and interstates will be impacted first since these are used most frequently and are the routes used by tourist.  The use of back roads to avoid congestion is a good idea but be sure to share your route plans with someone outside of the impacted area. Let them know when you are leaving and keep them posted as to where you are.

Finally, fuel.  Don’t assume that a partial tank of gas will get you 100 miles.  In an extended evacuation scenario, you may sit in traffic for hours with the AC running, burning fuel while going nowhere. Fill up ahead of time and keep the vehicle full until time to leave.   

Next time:  What to pack, what to leave behind.