Prepare Now to Evacuate Your Travel Trailer When Dangerous Weather Approaches
Release Date: June 19, 2006
Release Number: 1603-495
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Although Louisiana has had more than its share of devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there is no guarantee the storms predicted for this year will bypass the state. Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Louisiana remind travel trailer residents that if a tropical storm is predicted they must be ready to evacuate.
"A tropical storm warning indicates winds are sustained between 39 and 73 mph. If a warning is issued you should be prepared to vacate your travel trailer," said Jim Stark, acting director of FEMA's Transitional Recovery Office in Louisiana. "The high winds generated by a tropical storm or hurricane can cause damage to travel trailers. If a Category 1 hurricane develops this means winds will reach 74 miles per hour. At this level extensive damage can be caused."
Obviously, hurricanes above Category 1 mean even greater destruction. Travel trailers are anchored to the ground at the front and in the rear, but it is considered unsafe to try to remain in them during high winds. If a storm is forecast, listen to your local officials for guidance.
Prepare now for an evacuation:
- Keep fuel in your vehicle.
- Make sure you know your evacuation route.
- Items left outside may become projectiles due to high winds and should be placed inside your trailer. If an item won't fit inside, secure it as best you can by tying it down.
- Let your local emergency management officials know in advance if you will need assistance to evacuate.
- Keep tuned into weather news on television or radio.
- Have your disaster preparation kit ready, or go to www.ready.gov for help on creating one.
- Have cash on hand.
If your local officials order an evacuation, do the following:
- Close and lock your windows.
- Close and lock the roof vent.
- Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker.
- Turn off the main water valve outside the trailer and disconnect the hose.
- Turn off the two propane tanks outside by tightening the valves clockwise.
- Take any items that might spoil out of your refrigerator and freezer.
- Do not take or move the trailer! It is federal property and illegal to move.
- Take important personal items and your pets with you.
- Lock the door and take your keys with you.
For additional information about being prepared in advance when a disaster strikes and what to include in your emergency evacuation kit go to www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.
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, 19-Jun-2006 13:08:23