Be prepared should a hurricane evacuation be ordered by the Parish. Make sure your car is ready in the event of a possible evacuation. Make sure to map out a route before you get on the road to your destination.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas before a storm arrives.
- Check your spare tire.
- Charge your cell phone before you lose power.
Emergency supplies for the trip:
- First aid kit
- Duct tape
- Jumper cables for a dead battery
- One or two blankets
- Flashlights
- Bottled water
- Some sealed, shelf-stable food (like energy bars)
- Some basic tools like a screwdriver and pliers
- A couple of brightly colored cloths to tie on your rearview mirror to signal for help if you need it
When evacuating or returning home after a hurricane, avoid driving through water.
The average car can be swept off the road by as little as 12″ of moving water. Please know that should your car stall in rising water; restarting it may cause severe damage to your engine. If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, IMMEDIATELY ABANDON IT FOR HIGHER GROUND.
And remember, if you’re evacuating an area and leaving your car behind; be sure it’s not left in a low-lying area prone to flooding. Rising water can seep in and damage your vehicle.