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-- Hurricane
Information --
***Standard
Disclaimer****
Although this page can NOT replace common sense for dealing with a hurricane if
one should strike the area, it will give you information on PREPARATION for a
hurricane, what to do once hurricane watches and warnings are issued for the
area, and what to do after one strikes.
FACT SHEET: HURRICANES "provided by
FEMA (Federal
Emergency Management Agency) Hurricane Guidebook"
Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning
messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property
damage.
What to do BEFORE a hurricane
threatens the area:
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 ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
 | Flashlight
and extra batteries |
| Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries |
| First
aid kit and manual |
| Emergency
food and water |
| Non-electric
can opener |
| Essential
medicines |
| Cash
and credit cards |
| Sturdy
shoes |
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, 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 5-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 if adults are
at work and children are at school), and 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.
Hurricane Watches and Warnings: A
hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within
24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of
74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are
expected in 24 hours or less.
| Listen
to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
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| Check
emergency supplies. |
| Fuel
car. |
| Bring
in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools and anchor
objects that cannot be brought inside. |
| Secure
buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
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| Turn
refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely
necessary and close quickly. |
| Store
drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
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| Review
evacuation plan. |
| Moor
boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to
secure boat to trailer. Use tie downs to anchor trailer to the ground or
house. |
| Listen
constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official
instructions. |
| If
in a mobile home, check tie downs and evacuate immediately.
|
| Store
valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level
of your home. |
| Avoid
elevators. |
If at home:
| Stay
inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
|
| Keep
a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such
as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
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| If
power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge"
when electricity is restored. |
If officials indicate
evacuation is necessary:
| Leave
as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
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| Secure
your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main
water valve. |
| Tell
someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
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| If
time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to
protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
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| Bring
pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
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| Take
blankets and sleeping bags to shelter. |
| Lock
up home and leave. |
Evacuation
Routes for Baldwin County
Once a Hurricane WARNING has been issued for Escambia County,
Florida, all routes with the exception of I-10 are closed to traffic originating
from Alabama into Florida.
Traffic
Heading North Bound Via Interstate 65
AL Hwy 59 north to AL Hwy 287 to I-65 north bound to Montgomery and
points north.
Traffic
Heading to Mobile and Points West
AL Hwy 59 north to Interstate 10 west bound to Mobile and points
west.
Traffic Heading to
Atmore and Points East
North on Al Hwy 59, turn east on Baldwin Co Hwy 20, turn north on
Baldwin Co Hwy 83, turn east on Baldwin Co Hwy 98, Turn North on Baldwin
County Hwy 87, Turn North on Alabama Hwy 112, Turn East on US Hwy 31 to Atmore,
Brewton, and points east.
AFTER
A HURRICANE
Stay tuned to local radio for information.
Help injured or trapped persons.
| Give
first aid where appropriate. |
| Do
not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury. Call for help. |
Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
| Avoid
loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the Power
Company, police, or fire department. |
| Enter
your home with caution. |
| Beware
of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by floodwater.
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| Open
windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. |
| Check
refrigerated foods for spoilage. |
| Take
pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance
claims. |
Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and
washed-out bridges.
Use telephone only for emergency calls.
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