Hurricane Evacuation Tips

Currently, the United States is experiencing the effects of Hurricane Matthew, a historical, record breaking hurricane. Although here in north Georgia we aren’t expected to experience any weather effects from Matthew, our neighbors in coastal Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina aren’t so lucky. Today we’re going to be talking about some tips that can help keep you and your family safe in case you do ever find yourself in the path of a hurricane.

Hurricane Evacuation Tips-

1. Keep a full tank of gas in your car if you begin hearing news reports of weather that may result in an evacuation.
2. Be familiar with alternate routes around your area that can take you inland and out of state. Main roads may be extremely clogged and congested during a hurrican evacuation. 
3. Leave early! Don’t wait until the last minute. You risk not being able to beat the weather or sitting in major traffic delays.
4. Be familiar with any roads or shortcuts in your area that may be closed due to hazardous weather conditions.
5. Be on the lookout for washed out roads, bridges, or downed power lines that have not yet been reported to your local emergency agencies. Do not try to drive through abnormally high standing water.
6. Make sure you have batteries and a battery powered radio in case of power outages.
7. Take your pets with you if possible, and be prepared to look for shelters and hotels that will accept pets. 
8. Stay in contact with out of state friends and family. They will be worried about your safety and may be able to provide you with a safe place to stay.
9. Make sure when you leave your home that you lock all doors and have secured all windows. If time allows, board up your windows. 
10. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing.
11. Check with neighbors to see if you can carpool to reduce road congestion.

For more information and more hurricane evacuation tips you can check out www.ready.gov. If your home has been damaged in a natural disaster and you are in need of an emergency plumber, call the professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095!