UPDATED: As the massive Hurricane Irene approaches, many who live along the East Coast, including 550,000 New York City inhabitants, are being ordered to temporarily leave their homes until the storm passes. 

Additionally, evacuations of 22 hospitals and nursing homes in the city’s low-lying areas are to be completed by 8 p.m. Friday, reports Yahoo news. St. John’s and Columbia unversities are postponing the move-in date for new students to Monday from Sunday. So far, 2.5 million people are under evacuation orders.

Here is the advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for those who might need to evacuate in the next day or so, or have already been ordered to evacuate:

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Fill your clean water containers.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
• Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
• Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.
• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
• Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If You are Ordered to Evacuate

Because of the destructive power of a hurricane, you should never ignore an evacuation order. Authorities will be most likely to direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the storm. Be aware that most shelters and some hotels do not accept pets. If a hurricane warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:

• Take only essential items with you.
• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
• Make sure your automobile’s emergency kit is ready.
• Follow the designated evacuation routes-others may be blocked-and expect heavy traffic.

For additional information on what you should do if a hurricane threatens your home, visit the CDC’s emergency preparedness Web site.

Stay safe!

Related Articles:

• What to Do When Severe Storms Strike
• Creating an Emergency Plan: 10 Ways to Tame the Beast
• Is Your Campus Following NFPA 1600?

 

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