All eyes are on Florida and Georgia this weekend as all indicators at the time of this posting predict that Category 4 Hurricane Irma will make landfall in Florida sometime Sunday morning.
Floridians along the coast have been under mandatory evacuations and are gradually surging north. As these evacuations are mainly by car, people are urged to exercise good driving practices and patience in order to avoid car accidents and personal injury.
If you are ordered to evacuate, keep these tips in mind:
- Do your research. Pack a paper map and print out evacuation routes before you leave. DO NOT rely on your cell phone. Cell phone batteries are often depleted during long trips.
- Buy a car charger for your cell phone. Only use your phone if absolutely necessary.
- Start with a full tank of gas. You may be detoured or caught in traffic. A typical 5 hour drive may take twice that if detoured or in heavy traffic.
- Leave sooner rather than later. The temptation to stay and see if the weather predictions change is a strong one. Better safe than sorry.
- Take cash. If the power is knocked out, you will need cash to buy necessities.
- Take all medicines and medical records, ID’s, medical, car and property insurance papers and pet supplies. Put all of these in a plastic, waterproof container. Take the container with you if you go to a shelter.
- Try to find friends or family members out of the affected region to stay with. If you have to stay in a hotel, book early. Go to a shelter as a last resort.
- Pack tree trimming tools in your vehicle. These may be necessary if you postpone departure or when you are able to return.
- Follow directions of state and local police as well as the National Guard. These folks have been trained to keep you safe and are risking their own lives to serve you. Do not make their jobs more difficult.
- Take it seriously, have your hurricane party with friends and family away from the evacuation zone!
If you or someone you love has been injured because of the carelessness of another, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation today. (540) 777-4900.
