Hurricane: Evacuate or Stay

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Guy Evacuating with a dog

Always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home.

If a hurricane is coming, you may hear an order from authorities to evacuate. Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a hurricane.

If you hear an order to stay at home because the driving conditions are dangerous, staying at home might be safer than leaving.

If you need to stay home:

Self-evacuating is stressful and can cause more harm than good, it is also expensive. If you live in a structurally sound home and are not located in a mandatory evacuation zone, Shelter-In-Place in your pre-identified, stocked safe room and take the following precautions:

• Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the hurricane.
• Grab your emergency supply kit and only take what you really need with you (cell phone, chargers, medicines, identification like a passport or license, and cash).
• Move vehicles into a garage or next to a building; avoid trees and utility poles.
• Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Place flashlights and batteries throughout the house and keep one with you (DO NOT use candles).
• Secure all doors and windows.
• Stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over.
• Be ready to leave. If emergency authorities order you to leave or if your home is damaged,

If you need to evacuate:

Do not travel until told it is safe to do so from officials. Don’t panic. Move at a steady pace and ensure you leave enough time to get to where you will weather the storm. DO NOT take chances with your life by staying at home or waiting until it’s too late!

• Grab your emergency supply kit and only take what you really need with you (cell phone, chargers, medicines, identification like a passport or license, and cash).
• Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Notify your host home and family members that you are evacuating.
• Fill up your vehicle and bring extra gas, if possible (gas stations run out of fuel along evacuation routes). Secure patio/yard furniture.
• Secure all doors and windows. Have a plan for your pets if you are not taking them with you.
• Follow the roads that emergency workers recommend even if there’s traffic. Other routes might be blocked or flooded.

Contact SERVPRO of Garfield & Pitkin at 970-618-1516 

for immediate water restoration assistance. We are a 24/7 emergency response.