On Monday, the Atlantic hurricane season kicked off and so far things have been rather quiet, but we still have a few months to go before the hurricane season of ’09 can officially be recorded in the books (the season runs from June through November). While the peak hurricane season doesn’t arrive until late this summer and goes right on through the fall, disasters can and as we have seen, often do strike at any time, so it’s important to prepare your family and your primary mode of transportation for the worst.

This year, forecasters predict a near-normal hurricane season with 9 to 14 named tropical storms. The season is expected to include four to seven hurricanes with one to three likely to be major – Category 3 or higher – with winds reaching more than 111 miles per hour. Of particular concern this season is whether tough economic times will prevent people from purchasing the emergency supplies they need.

Last year in New Orleans, officials assisted approximately 20,000 people who didn’t have transportation or who needed assistance to evacuate in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. This year, in the case of a mass evacuation order, Louisiana has estimated and made plans for up to 50,000 people who may require transportation on state secured buses, trains or planes.

The good news is that hurricanes rarely make a surprise appearance, and that means there’s time to prepare for the threat. The bad news is that many people die or become injured in accidents associated with mass evacuations.

If you live in or will be visiting an area near the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Coast this summer, now is a good time to make certain you and your family are prepared by putting together an emergency kit that can be easily stashed in your vehicle in the event that you must evacuate.

Make sure your emergency kit includes:

• First Aid Kit
• Maps
• Insurance Information/Documents
• Cell Phone/Phone Charger
• Small notebook and pens
• Emergency phone numbers of family, friends, roadside services and hotels
• You can dial free 411 (1-800-FREE-411) or Google 411 (1-800-GOOG-411) in the event that you need phone numbers of hotels, roadside assistance or various businesses. Both of these services are absolutely free and it’s a good idea to add these phone numbers to your cell phone right now.
• Flashlight and fresh batteries
• Cash on hand (banks may be closed and ATM’s may be out of service or backed up with long lines)
• Bottles/Jugs of Water
• Non-perishable food items
• Extra set of house keys, apartment keys, car keys
• Pocket Knife/Multipurpose Tool
• Toiletries/Personal Hygiene Items/Towels
• Extra Clothing/Diapers/Baby Items
• Blankets/Pillows
• Toilet paper
• Baby Wipes/Towelettes/Antibacterial Gel
• Medications
• Sunglasses and one extra pair of prescription lenses
• Pet necessities such as leash, collar, food and food bowls, vet records
• Passports, social security cards and/or other forms of identification
• Credit cards
• Health insurance information
• A copy of homeowner insurance or renters’ policy insurance
• Battery Operated Radio
• Disposable/Digital Camera 

It’s also a good idea to have an empty gas can and a spare tire that is inflated and road-ready in the trunk. 

Remember to plan your route as best you can. It’s a very good idea to have at least two optional routes of evacuation available in the event that one or more emergency evacuation routes become overcrowded. Attempt to remain on official hurricane evacuation routes since this is where you’ll find emergency personnel. Avoid traveling in areas which you are not familiar since flooding may be a problem in low-lying areas and emergency personnel may be hard to locate.

It’s also a good idea to travel inland as soon as possible and attempt to make reservations at a hotel located a safe distance from the storm. If making advance reservations isn’t successful or becomes impossible, look for hotels on your route or find a shelter. Local radio stations will provide shelter information and locations.

The Road Home

Plan your return when authorities have given the all clear for you to do so. Remember that sometimes this may take days and in some situations it could be a week or more, so it’s vital to plan ahead.

Be aware of flooding and standing water, power lines, debris, animals and trees in the road all which can make driving hazardous. Never attempt to drive through a flooded area, washed out road or through standing water – and never drive over downed power lines.

Additional information:

• National Hurricane Center Preparedness Week
• National Hurricane Center
• FEMA
• Department of Health and Family Services Hurricane Preparedness Tips
• Department of Homeland Security Family Emergency Plan
• Red Cross
• How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Hurricane (Cars for Girls)
• How To Exit a Sinking or Flooding Vehicle (Cars for Girls)

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