Officials Urge: Have an Evacuation Plan
Part of a series on Hurricane Preparedness in Texas
Release Date: April 13, 2006
Release Number: 1606-192
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
AUSTIN, Texas -- The U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges Texans living along the Gulf Coast to have an evacuation plan.
Before hurricane season starts:
- Make an evacuation plan and learn the evacuation routes.
- Contact your county emergency management coordinator and get information on hurricane preparedness and designated evacuation routes.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas when officials call for an evacuation.
- When a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico , monitor weather reports and NOAA weather radio. Listen to local radio and TV broadcasts for important evacuation information.
- Storms may take several days to arrive. When a storm is in the Gulf, fill your gas tank and keep it full. Make sure your emergency supply kit is ready to go.
- Some traffic congestion is inevitable. Plan for significantly longer travel time to reach your destination. If possible, evacuate using only one vehicle. If you are planning to take several vehicles, trailers or boats leave your area before the evacuation call.
- Monitor your car radio and check Texas Department of Transportation highway signs for evacuation information as you travel.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit that is easy to carry and includes:
- Portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries
- Extra eye glasses, medications, copies of prescriptions and first aid kit
- Special products for babies, the elderly and medically fragile or disabled family members
- Bottled water, non-perishable food
- Dry clothes, sturdy shoes, bedding
- Cash, credit cards, insurance information and other important documents
- Have a communication plan in case family members get separated
- Decide who family members can notify in another town to let them know you are safe and where you are; make sure each family member has that phone number.
- List all family phone numbers using indelible ink and provide list to each family member to carry at all times.
- Plan for companion animals
For more information visit www.ready.gov or call 1- 800-BE-READY ( 1-800-237-3239 ).
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: Tuesday, 16-May-2006 10:27:30