Staying close to home and emergency evacuation centers

Consider local when thinking emergency disaster shelters

I agree with many others there is no place like home except in a hurricane emergency and you live in a low-lying area of the cone of uncertainty and a hurricane is knocking at your door. If you are in possible danger then do all you can to get out of the dangerous area as fast as you can! This is why a disaster plan and well thought-out evacuation plan is so important for every person.

When thinking of emergency evacuations often one of the first images that come to my mind is the l-o-n-g congested interstates filled with over-heating cars and people desperate to get out of the area.

When a disaster event occurs, requiring emergency evacuation take it seriously and get out. Your life and that of loved ones is more important than any property etc.

Many people try to outrun the disaster such as a hurricane and think that 300 miles away is better than something closer in a safe and secured area. If you have loved ones to stay with then that is a good choice PROVIDED that you leave early and stay late to avoid the crush of congested t ravel.

If you need to get to use a community disaster evacuation shelter than if possible first think local. Here are some good reasons to think locally if there is room available. To get registered in a closer to home emergency evacuation shelter you will need to act early to get in. Emergency shelters can fill up fast.

I hope you will consider these suggestions when developing your disaster plan and planning your emergency shelter choices.

The following list suggests a few reasons to consider a local emergency evacuation shelter.

1. The faster you can get to an emergency shelter, register and get settled, most often the better you are in comfort and conveniences. So the closer the emergency shelter the quicker you can get there.
2. You are more likely to learn sooner and more accurately the emergency situation and disaster recovery status of your local area and neighborhood than if you are sheltered farther away. The farther away from your home, the more likely you will receive less specific the information and disaster status of your particular area.
3. Staying at a local, nearby emergency shelter you will have more probability of knowing some of the people there at the shelter either as quests or as volunteers since many may be your neighbors and family. This can help provide more reassurance and comfort. It can also be a great way to work on developing personal and community disaster recovery plans.
4. You will most likely be allowed back into your home faster the closer your emergency evacuation housing is to your residence due to less travel time congestion, etc.
5. It may be possible to have disaster response staff that will know your area and help you with disaster recovery resources than those who seek assistance in other jurisdictions and states

COMMENTS WELCOMED!

Please share your thoughts, emergency preparedness tips and stories here on this blog.

All I ask is that everyone be respectful and sensitive of each other and that identifying information about a person who is not the author be limited to protect their privacy.

Be Safe – Be Prepared – Help Others!

Terrie

www.trainforahurricane.com