Dont Wait, Evacuate: If you get the word, go immediately
Part of a series on Hurricane Preparedness in Texas
Release Date: April 13, 2006
Release Number: 1606-191
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AUSTIN, Texas -- With the 2006 hurricane season rapidly approaching, U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises Texans living along the Gulf Coast to prepare for this storm season and plan now for what they will do if local officials call for an evacuation.
"Coastal communities are very vulnerable to hurricanes and associated storm surge," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman. And when a local government calls for evacuation, families should be packed and ready to go.
"It is extremely important to heed the message to evacuate," Coachman said. "A well thought-out evacuation plan can save your life and your family the next time a hurricane or tropical storm bears down on the Texas coast."
Federal officials say to keep your plan simple. Here are the key points to decide with your family:
- Contact your local emergency manager coordinator to learn your evacuation routes ;
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your car;
- Determine a safe meeting place outside your neighborhood in case you get separated;
- Have family phone numbers for everyone to carry at all times;
- Decide who family members can notify in another town to let them know you are safe and where you are ;
- Prepare a disaster kit with emergency water, food, supplies, cash and a credit card ;
- Plan for special needs of family members who are disabled, medically fragile, elderly, babies, kids and pets .
"These are the basics in your plan," Coachman said. "The key is to make your plans in advance, make sure your family members understand the plans, have your emergency supplies ready and be ready to leave when local officials call for an evacuation."
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 10:40:26