Don't Wait - Evacuate. And Leave Your Trailer Behind
Release Date: April 7, 2006
Release Number: 1604-307
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
BILOXI, Miss. -- State and federal emergency management officials have an important message for Mississippi travel trailer and mobile home residents should a hurricane evacuation order be issued this year – don’t wait, evacuate.
More than 100,000 Mississippi residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina are living in travel trailers and mobile homes furnished by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These dwellings are not as heavy and stable as permanent houses, especially during a hurricane.
“Given our experience with Hurricane Katrina, we cannot overemphasize the importance of heeding evacuation orders,” said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the recovery efforts in Mississippi. “Travel trailers and mobile homes make excellent temporary housing, but we know they are not built to withstand hurricane-force winds. When an evacuation order is issued, please don’t wait, evacuate – and leave your trailer behind.”
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA are mounting a hurricane awareness campaign before the 2006 hurricane season begins on June 1. The key phrase in that campaign is “Stay Alert. Stay Alive.”
With the Hurricane Katrina reminders everywhere you look, now is a good time to take that “Stay Alert. Stay Alive” message to heart. That means, among other things, heeding hurricane evacuation orders.
Mississippi residents, especially those living in travel trailers and mobile homes, should plan safe evacuation routes and identify safe shelter places where they can go. Those in storm surge zones, in flood zones or in less than standard housing should be especially vigilant in preparing disaster plans. When severe weather approaches, they should stay tuned to their local television or radio station for the latest information on open shelters in their area.
Residents should keep disaster supplies close at hand. It’s a good idea to prepare a “go-kit” in advance of hurricane season. A go-kit should include, at the least, flashlights and extra batteries, a portable battery-powered radio, first aid kit and essential medicine.
Other go-kit items include emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener), cash and credit cards, sturdy shoes, a change of clothing and copies of important papers like bank statements, insurance records and deeds.
Here’s a list of what to do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued:
- Listen to hurricane progress reports. Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
- Check emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and available cooking pots.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be wind-tossed.
- Secure homes by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood.
- Trim dead branches from trees.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities.
- Fuel the getaway vehicle. Review evacuation routes and gather disaster supply kits.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
- Review the family disaster plan. Call friends and family members in advance and tell them where you plan to go if you must evacuate.
Here’s a list of what to do when an evacuation order is issued:
- Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Secure the home. Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve. If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor.
- Take pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing.
More information on emergency preparedness is available at www.Ready.gov and www.fema.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 10-Apr-2006 11:30:14