Evacuation
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds
of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release
harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes.
Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. And,
almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts evacuate in
the face of approaching hurricanes.
When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide
information to the public through the media. Government agencies,
the American Red Cross, and other disaster relief organizations provide
emergency shelter and supplies. But just in case, you should have
a Disaster Kit, with enough water, food,
clothing, and emergency supplies to last at least three days. In a
catastrophic emergency, you might need to be self-sufficient for even
longer.
The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster.
If the event can be monitored, like a hurricane, you could have a day or
two to get ready. But many disasters offer no time for people to
gather even the most basic necessities. This is why you should
prepare now.
Planning for Evacuation
Floods and weather-related hazards are the most likely emergency or
disaster events to require the evacuation of large numbers of people in
Monongalia County. The most suitable routs to accommodate the
movement of large numbers of people are: Interstate 79, Interstate 68,
US Route 19, US Route 119, US Route 857, and WV Route 7. The
identification of an evacuation route will depend on the disaster that
has occurred and the existing weather conditions; however, take the
opportunity to be familiar with the above highways and access routes to
and from them.
Talk with your family about the possibility of evacuation. Plan
where you would go if you had to leave the community. Determine
how you would get there. If you do not own a car, make
transportation arrangements with friends or the local transit authority,
Mountain Line Transit, @ 304.291.7467. Plan a place to meet your
family in case you are separated from one another in a disaster.
Ask a friend outside of West Virginia to be the "check point" so that
everyone in the family can tell that person to say that they are safe.
Find out where children will be sent if they are in school when an
evacuation is announced.
Assemble a Disaster Kit. Include
a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, food, water, and
clothing. Begin now - once you are told to evacuate, you may have
only minutes to leave. Keep fuel in your car if an evacuation
seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies.
Know how to shut off electricity, gas, and water at main switches and
valves. Have the tools you would need to do this (pipe wrench,
crescent wrench, etc.) close to the appliances.
Notices are announced over the radio and television. Official
vehicles with loudspeaker systems will travel through the affected
neighborhoods alerting residents. Listen carefully to the message
being announced.
Prepare to Evacuate
You may be asked to prepare to evacuate if a situation has the
potential of escalating to the point where an evacuation is required.
An evacuation will be ordered if the area is threatened and there is
time to evacuate in a safe, orderly manner. During this time,
authorities will take actions to alleviate the emergency. Stay
tuned to your radio/television station for instructions and
specifications of what areas must evacuate. They will tell you how
to prepare and where to go. Gather any clothing and medication you
will need for a few days' stay away from home. Pack only what you
need most.
What to do when you are told to evacuate
Stay Calm!
Listen to a battery powered radio and follow local instructions.
If the danger is a chemical release and you are instructed to evacuate
immediately, gather your family and go. In other cases, you may
have sufficient time to follow these steps:
- Gather your Disaster Kit (water,
food, clothing, emergency supplies);
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes;
- Secure your home. Close and lock doors and windows.
Turn on your porch light as you leave. The area where you live
will be guarded while you are away to prevent looting and vandalism;
- Unplug appliances. Take any actions needed to prevent
damage to water pipes by freezing weather if necessary;
- Turn off the main water valve and electricity, if instructed to
do so;
- Let others know where you are going;
- Use your own vehicle if you can. Take neighbors who need a
ride, if you have room. If you have no ride, ask a neighbor or
friend. If you cannot do that, go to a pre-designated pickup
point along a main road;
- Keep all windows and vents in your vehicle closed and drive to
the nearest main emergency route in your area;
- Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather;
- Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take
shortcuts, they may be blocked. Be alert for damaged roadways
and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas or roads.
Stay away from downed power lines.
If your children are in school when an evacuation is ordered, they
will be taken to the reception center for their school, as specified in
the school's emergency plan.