A hurricane evacuation route (also called coastal evacuation route or evacuation route) is a highway in the United States that is a specified route for hurricane evacuation. Along the Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast of the United States
The Gulf Coast of the United States is the coastline along the Southern United States where they meet the Gulf of Mexico. The coastal states that have a shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico are Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and these are known as the Gulf States.
What are the evacuation route and zone maps based on?
These county-wide evacuation route and zone maps are based upon the most up-to-date regional evacuation studies and are intended for general reference. Please note that within many counties, there may not be designated evacuation zones.
How do I Find my hurricane evacuation zone?
For a larger, full screen view of the hurricane evacuation zone map, visit the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Interactive Map. Zone A & B – These zones include areas that, depending on predicted inundation, may flood first from storm surge during a tropical storm or hurricane.
Why are hurricane evacuation routes staggered?
It is important to know your evacuation zip zone and the available hurricane evacuation routes near you ahead of time so that you and your family can evacuate quickly and safely when necessary. Hurricane evacuations are staggered to prevent highway congestion and allow for quicker, safer movement of people.
Do you need to evacuate during a hurricane?
Learn if You Live or Work in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone Evacuation may be necessary during a hurricane or tropical storm due to risk of storm surge. Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide.
What is the purpose of a hurricane evacuation route?
A hurricane evacuation route is a designated route used to direct traffic inland in case of a hurricane threat.
What route should be taken when evacuating?
The evacuation route must be a clear passageway, be clearly marked, be the most direct way of leaving the premises, provide enough exits and routes for all occupants of your building, and include emergency lighting where needed.
What are the 4 types of evacuation?
Four Types of EvacuationsStay in Place. The first type of evacuation is known as stay in place and is used during a chemical or biological attack. ... Building Evacuation. The second type of evacuation is a building evacuation. ... Campus Evacuation. The third type of evacuation is a campus evacuation. ... City Evacuation.
What is the purpose of the evacuation?
The goal of evacuation is to leave the premises as quickly and safely as possible. The following strategies may promote an effective evacuation: Exit the premises through the nearest exit. Exit immediately, do not return for personal items.
What are the 3 basic methods of evacuation?
If total evacuation is required in the event of a fire, vertical evacuation is a priority, then horizontal evacuation, and then complete evacuation if necessary.
What are the two types of evacuation?
Evacuations happen for many reasons but there are really only two types: urgent evacuations and planned evacuations.
What is an example of evacuation?
Examples range from the small-scale evacuation of a building due to a storm or fire to the large-scale evacuation of a city because of a flood, bombardment or approaching weather system, especially a tropical cyclone.
What is full evacuation?
A full evacuation will occur if the fire alarm is triggered or if the Emergency Action Team or the local authorities determine a situation is highly dangerous. In addition to the fire alarm, a full evacuation can be communicated via the PA system and/or text alert. A fire alarm always means full evacuation.
How many stages are there in evacuation?
To develop an effective evacuation plan, employers should follow the 3 stages of evacuation in a fire: 'Stage 1': Immediate evacuation; 'Stage 2': Lateral evacuation; and. 'Stage 3': Partial evacuation.
Why is it important to keep evacuation routes clear?
Obstructions in fire exit routes, such as boxes, equipment, stock etc. can in a fire cause people to fall, seriously hurt themselves, and even block the exit passageway for others. Keeping exit passageways clear of obstacles enables people to exit a building more quickly and safely.
What is an evacuation plan and what will it help prevent?
What is an evacuation plan? It's a plan spelling out what you should do in an emergency situation. It helps to efficiently and safely get people away from an area where there is an imminent threat, ongoing threat, or a hazard to lives or property.
How do you explain an evacuation plan?
An emergency evacuation plan aims to prepare employees with information that enables them to evacuate a building as quickly and safely as possible. These plans must cover all relevant scenarios of possible emergencies for employees to be sufficiently prepared.
What are the evacuation procedures?
Evacuation ProceduresActivate the fire alarm.Call 911 immediately and provide information.Assist injured personnel or notify emergency responders of the medical emergency.Exit the building following emergency maps.Assist physically impaired individuals to a secure area and notify emergency responders.More items...
How do you evacuate during an earthquake?
Earthquake Procedures“DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.More items...
What is evacuation plan for fire?
A fire emergency evacuation plan (FEEP) is a written document which includes the action to be taken by all staff in the event of fire and the arrangements for calling the fire brigade. It can include any relevant information in relation to the FEEP.
How do you evacuate from a volcanic eruption?
Limit your time outdoors and use a dust mask or cloth mask as a last resort if you must be outside. Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano. Take temporary shelter from volcanic ash in the location where you are. Cover ventilation openings and seal doors and windows.
Why are evacuations important?
While most commonly undertaken prior to the landfall of a hurricane or tropical storm, evacuations can also greatly reduce the human impact of natural disasters such as floods… However, many disasters are predictable to the extent that sufficient warning can be provided to many who need to get out of harm’s way, and effective evacuations are critical to reducing disaster-related casualties. [2]
How would the evacuation of New Orleans have affected the post-impact deaths?
Preliminary information from Hurricane Katrina suggests that effective evacuation of New Orleans would have reduced post-impact deaths as well as those that occurred as the hurricane made landfall. If vulnerable elderly had been out of the area when the levees failed, death rates would have been substantially reduced. [1]
Why is evacuation necessary during a hurricane?
Evacuation may be necessary during a hurricane or tropical storm due to risk of storm surge. Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide.
What are the evacuation zones for hurricanes?
About the Hurricane Evacuation Zones. Zone A & B – These zones include areas that, depending on predicted inundation, may flood first from storm surge during a tropical storm or hurricane. Areas in Zone A would flood before areas in Zone B. Zone C – The cities of Boston and Cambridge have designated a third zone, Zone C, ...
What are the threats of storm surge?
The destructive power of storm surge and large battering waves is often the greatest threat to life and property during a storm, and can result in loss of life, destroyed buildings, beach and dune erosion, and road and bridge damage along the coast.
Is hurricane evacuation zone a hurricane category?
Note: The hurricane evacuation zones do not directly correspond to hurricane categories. Storm surge impact is not measured by the Saffir-Simpson hurricane category scale, and storm surge threats can vary from storm to storm.
What is evacuation route?
Hurricane evacuation routes are specially designated roadways used to provide the safest and most timely evacuation of coastal areas during a hurricane threat. Once you are familiar with your zip zone, it’s important to know the evacuation routes near you.
When are evacuation routes updated?
Download and save a copy of the evacuation route map to help plan your route. Evacuation route maps are updated annually before hurricane season.
Why is it important to know your evacuation zip zone?
It is important to know your evacuation zip zone and the available hurricane evacuation routes near you ahead of time so that you and your family can evacuate quickly and safely when necessary. Hurricane evacuations are staggered to prevent highway congestion and allow for quicker, safer movement of people.
Why is it important to know your hurricane zone?
Knowing your zone will help you better understand when and if you need to evacuate during a hurricane. It will also help you avoid unnecessary evacuation travel, thereby reducing highway congestion, easing overcrowding at local storm shelters, and boosting public safety.
What zone do you need to evacuate during a hurricane?
If it becomes necessary to evacuate residents during a hurricane, authorities will issue evacuation orders in a phased approach by zip code zone or “zip zone.”. Coastal residents should become familiar with which zip zone they reside in.
How long should you shelter in place during a hurricane?
Prepare an emergency supply kit with enough non-perishable food and water for at least three days.
What is H-GAC together against the weather?
H-GAC’s Together Against the Weather website provides information to persons with special needs and their caregivers. Visit TogetherAgainstTheWeather.com for more information on how to prepare these special needs groups for hurricane season.
How far inland should you drive to evacuate?
Consider staying in a hotel or with family and friends outside of the vulnerable area. Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive at least 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
How to prepare for a hurricane?
Be Prepared. Contact your local emergency management office to assist in determining your vulnerability to a hurricane. A storm surge may extend beyond coastal areas, but hurricanes also bring high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flooding to inland areas.
What lanes are used for evacuees on US 21?
Two-Lane Evactuation: Evacuees will use the two present northbound lanes on US 21 to US 17. Upon reaching US 17, the right lane will be directed to US 17 north to SC 303 to Walterboro. The left lane will be directed to US 17 south, then to US 17 Alt / US 21 to Yemassee and then ultimately to North Augusta.
What is the SC Emergency Response Team?
The SC Emergency Response Team has been working in partnership with the petroleum industry in an attempt to make extra fuel available at certain gas stations along major evacuation routes. Rest areas along I-26 will be enhanced with additional facilities in order to accommodate motorists efficiently. Department of Public Safety weigh stations will also be available as comfort stations. A GPS may misdirect you to closed roads. Stay on official evacuation routes.
Why are there fewer people in the emergency shelter?
Due to the possibility of coronavirus infections, fewer people may be able to stay in each emergency shelter so volunteers can take extra safety precautions such as safe distancing.
Where to take evacuees to Orangeburg?
Evacuees will take US 52 (Rivers Avenue) to US 78 to US 178 to Orangeburg then to I-20 or continue on US 52 to US 176 or continue north on US 52.
Can tornadoes spawn during hurricanes?
Tornadoes are very often spawned during hurricanes. If the “eye” of the storm passes over your area, be aware that severe conditions will return with winds from the other direction in a very short time. Limit non-emergency calls. Be sure to keep calls brief to minimize any network congestion.
How to prepare for a disaster for pets?
Identify boarding facilities, veterinarians or hotels outside of the affected areas that can accept your pets. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations. Pet-friendly shelters may be opened during an evacuation. This information will be available at shelter information points. Create a disaster readiness kit for your pet including food, water, first aid supplies, feeding dishes, leashes, carrier, blanket, etc. Make sure all family members are aware of these preparations.
What are the most common natural disasters in Louisiana?
Natural disasters most likely to occur in Louisiana, particularly in low-lying areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico, include hurricanes and flooding due to heavy rains. Residents should be familiar with several terms that describe severe weather conditions:
What is the Homeland Security Advisory System?
The Homeland Security Advisory System, established in March of 2002, is a tool used to describe threat conditions for a possible terrorist attack. A color-coded threat level system is used to communicate the five threat levels to the American public. Prepare your family for these types of emergencies by following the recommendations in this guide or visit www.ready.gov. For more information on Homeland Security advisories, visit the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness link: www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/homeland/HSThreatAdvisory.htm.
How to make sure your family is connected to the disaster?
Setting up a communication plan ahead of time will help make sure you and your family can connect as easily and quickly as possible. Designate an individual outside of the state to serve as a family point of contact. (After a disaster, it’s often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area.) Make sure that all family members know who this person is and how to contact him/her. After a disaster or evacuation, all family members should make contact with the designated individual. Try choosing a certain time for everyone to check in.
