Staying close to home and emergency evacuation centers

Consider local when thinking emergency disaster shelters

I agree with many who say there is no place like home -- except in a hurricane emergency and you live in a low-lying area in the cone of uncertainty with a hurricane knocking at your door. If you are in possible danger then do all you can to get out of the dangerous area or circumstance 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 comes mind is the l-o-n-g congested interstates filled with over-heating cars and hot tempered people desperate to get out of harms way.

When a disaster event occurs, requiring an emergency evacuation, take the danger 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 to home in a safe and secured area. If you have loved ones to stay with or desire need for privacy etc, then staying with loved ones or a motel/hotel provided you can get reservations is a good choice. This can be a very good choice PROVIDED that you leave early and stay late to avoid the crush of congested travel. If you need or want 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 space and services available that meet your needs. To get registered in a closer to home emergency evacuation shelter, you will need to act early to get in and get comfortable. Emergency shelters can fill up fast. Know of several emergency evacuation shelters n your area so if one or more are already filled then you have a better chance of getting into one still close by.I hope you will consider these suggestions when developing your disaster plan and planning your emergency shelter choices. Which ever type of emergency evacuation you choose - PREPARE AHEAD and make sure you have a well stocked disaster kit for each member of your household. 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. It will cost much less to travel to a local emergency evacuation shelter than to drive across state or hundreds of miles somewhere else.
3. You don’t need to pack as much to take with you to an emergency shelter closer to home. The more miles you drive to evacuate the more supplies and resources you will need to sustain yourself in the emergency evacuation process. Many stores and restaurants will be closing early or will run out of supplies quickly with the crush of people traveling the roads. This will mean there will be less food and beverages available and yes less restrooms and even less toilet paper and possible water supplies since many facilities will shut down their utilities long before a disaster hits! So if you’re preparing to travel a long distance to get out of harms way make sure you include additional supplies of water, food, hand cleaners and toilet paper. Many vehicles run out of fuel while attempting to evacuate. Make sure you bring extra fuel as well.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Natural disasters like a hurricane can result in a great deal of disorientation when returning home with road signs down and familiar locations severely damaged. The more familiar you are with the area the easier it will be to reorient yourself and begin the disaster recovery process.

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Be Safe – Be Prepared – Help Others!

Terrie

ww.trainforahurricane.com