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 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.
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 routes to
accommodate the movement of large numbers of people are: I-79, I-68, US 19, US
119, 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 in and off of them.
If you do not own a car, make
transportation arrangements with friends or Mountain Line Transit [291-7467].
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.
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 call
that person to say they are safe.
Find out where children will be sent if
they are in school when an evacuation is announced.
Assemble a disaster-supplies 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 [usually pipe and crescent or adjustable wrenches] close to the appliances.
Notices are announced by the radio and television.
Official vehicles with loudspeaker systems will travel through the affected
neighborhoods alerting residents. Listen carefully to the message being
announced. The emergency alert indicates there is a problem, which poses
no present danger to the community. However, there is a potential for a
more serious situation. The Warning Alert informs you to "stand by".
