What to Do if Evacuation Is Necessary

05.SEPT.08

Hurricanes are intense tropical storms which can form throughout the year but has a higher frequency in the summer months. This is attributed to the warm ocean temperature which is required for hurricanes to maintain their energies.{{more}}

The most powerful winds are located in the area just around the eye, often referred to as the eye-wall.

A tropical storm becomes a hurricane once winds have achieved a speed of over 74 miles per hour. The actual forward movement of the hurricane, however, rarely exceeds 20 miles per hour.

•  Leave as soon as possible (if possible, in daylight). Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Evacuation will probably take longer than expected. Give yourself plenty of time.

• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. This will reduce potential damage to your appliances (from power surges) and to your home.

• Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going. Relatives and friends will be concerned about your safety. Letting someone know your travel plans will help relieve his or her fears and anxiety.

•  If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone or area prone to flooding, move furniture to a higher floor. Moving valuable furnishings helps reduce potential damage.

•  Bring preassembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing. People frequently arrive at shelters with nothing. Having these items will make you more comfortable.

•  While shelters provide a safe place to stay and food, specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets may not be available. It may take several days until permission is given by local authorities to re-enter an evacuated area. Bring these items with you to a shelter:

•  First aid kit, manual, and prescription medications.

•  Baby food and diapers.

•  Cards, games, books.

•  Toiletries.

•  Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

•  Flashlight (one per person) and extra batteries.

•  Blankets or sleeping bags.

•  Identification.

•  Valuable papers (copies of insurance papers, passports, and other essential documents).

•  Lock up your home and leave. There may be individuals evacuating after you, or returning before you. Police may be busy with hurricane-related emergencies and not able to patrol neighbourhoods as usual. Lock your property as you normally would when leaving home.