Evacuation Tips

Plan an evacuation route.

Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters.

Learn safe routes inland.
Be prepared to drive over 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.

Make arrangements for pets.

Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Protect your windows. Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Evacuation Signs

Evacuation signs are located on all parish roads which are designated as major evacuation routes. All state-controlled evacuation routes and interstates have signs directing evacuees to other areas within the state as well as out of state.

State Police & local Law Enforcement will be manning the evacuation routes to monitor the traffic flow & offer assistance, if needed.

Emergency Broadcast Radio Stations are posted on some signs. Follow directions concerning breakdowns/accidents.

Shelters

Shelters have been designated throughout the State for use during emergencies. The following information will be announced by the Emergency Broadcast System Stations:

- What to bring.
- Shelter locations.
- Directions to shelters.
- Pre-evacuation measures.
- Re-entry information(date, time and locations)

Remember, The first person responsible for your safety and well being is you. So evacuate early and be prepared.