Evacuation

  • If an evacuation is ordered by local government officials, do so! The temptation to “tough it out” can put lives at risk; both yours and the personnel who may be sent on an otherwise avoidable rescue mission.
  • Follow the instructions and advice of local government officials. If you are advised to evacuate, do so promptly. If you are advised to go to a certain location, go there. Do not go anywhere else.
  • If certain travel routes are advised, use those routes rather than trying to find short cuts.
    • If you are told to shut off water, gas or electrical service to your home before leaving, do so.
    • Also, find out from the broadcast reports where emergency housing and feeding stations are located, in case you need to use them.
  • Leave as soon as officials instruct that you do to avoid being marooned on flooded highways.
  • Make certain you have enough fuel for your car.
  • As you travel, keep listening to the radio for additional instructions.
    • Watch for:
      • Broken water or sewer mains
      • Earth slides
      • Falling or fallen objects
      • Loose or downed electrical wires
      • Washed-out roads
  • Watch out for areas where rivers or streams may flood suddenly.
  • Do not try to cross a stream or pool of water unless you are certain that the water will not be over your knees, or above the middle of the wheels of your car, all the way across. Sometimes the water will hide a bridge or part of a road that has been washed out.
    • If you do decide it is safe to cross, put your car in low gear and drive very slowly to avoid splashing water into your engine and causing it to stop.
    • Additionally, remember that your brakes may not work well after the car has been in deep water. Try them out a few times when you reach the other side.