Officials Urge Preventative Measures as Hurricane Season Arrives

Now that hurricane season is here, government officials and oil producers are urging consumers to "fill-up early, evacuate early and stretch your fuel" in the event of an evacuation. The Houston-based press release on PRNewswire emphasized the applicability to the hurricane season, but for all intents and purposes the steps that individuals take to prepare during a hurricane watch are applicable to a range of disasters and personal emergencies.

The Shell Oil Products President, David Sexton, said in an Aug. 18 press release, "In an effort to better manage fuel demands, we are encouraging our employees and our customers to fill up early during the Hurricane Watch which is typically announced 36 hours prior to landfall. Early fill ups help us better understand demand and allow us to replenish stations before the storm hits."

This request stemmed from the shortfall that occurred during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and reflects both self-interest on the part of the oil company and also common sense for the consumer. In the case of disaster, individuals may not have the opportunity to fill up their gas tanks, even if supply is available. In areas of the country that experience a predictable season of natural disasters, for example, late spring and summer wildfires in California or tornados in Kansas, and late summer for hurricanes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, having a relatively full tank of gas and an evacuation plan makes good sense.

Individuals should take a range of precautionary steps to ensure they are prepared for an evacuation. Many of these tips are good every day actions, regardless, but particularly relevant in instances of emergency.

Keep an emergency bag packed. Include a change of clothes (or two) for every family member, as well as a list of medications, any necessary personal toiletries, diapers and child necessities, copies of important documents and prescriptions, and a list of emergency contacts. Keep cash, a flashlight, cell phone charger and phone card, and stash of batteries as well. This bag should be in an easy to find location, or even in the trunk of the car.

Keep a food and water bag stocked. During natural disasters nonperishable foods and an adequate supply of water are critical for every individual. Keep a can opener, plastic cutlery, and a package of hand sanitizer with the food and water. Ensure there is enough for several days. Even in less serious instances, having a stock of non-perishable foods is a good idea in case of emergencies.

Plan escape routes, and establish meeting locations. Much like in the case of a house fire, have a designated meeting location in cases of separation from family members and go through escape routes. Know the official evacuation route, and how to tune into the local emergency broadcast radio station for instructions and information. When planned out ahead of time, in the heat of the moment everyone will be more level-headed about evacuation.

Adopt more fuel-efficient driving techniques. Conserve fuel by minimizing quick starts and multiple stops, and try to drive at a steady speed. In addition to having a full tank of gas in case of emergency, fuel-efficient driving will allow individuals to go a farther distance and be less reliant on a potential gasoline shortage or broken fuel lines.

Conduct routine vehicle maintenance. Clean air filters, tires at the correct pressure, and changed oil can improve gasoline mileage. Maintain normal routine maintenance, and if the car seems to have a problem, get it checked out, particularly in seasons of natural disasters. Keep an extra jug of windshield washer fluid in the garage.

These recommendations will ensure that in times of evacuation, natural disasters, home fires, or even power outages, individuals are better prepared and safer.

Sources:

PRNewsWire

FEMA