Pandemic further complicates emergency planning

Northeast MS – For Mississippians living in areas commonly affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding etc., the coronavirus pandemic complicates emergency planning. Those who may have to leave their homes and “weather the storm” elsewhere, must prepare to deal with the realities of COVID-19 as well as of the storm. Hygiene, social distancing, limited group sizes, etc. will all come into play. This is true whether evacuees end up in a shelter or are lucky enough to have accommodating friends or relatives.

Friends or relatives accepting loved ones fleeing a storm emergency must also consider the necessity of dealing with coronavirus complications.  This is especially true if the host family or the evacuees include members who are particularly vulnerable.

In emergency situations, last minute decisions are your enemy

“During this year’s hurricane season we have already seen eight named storms,” said Commissioner Tom King, of Mississippi’s Southern Transportation District. “People need to know their evacuation route now – before a storm approaches the Mississippi Coast.”

MDOT reminds you that evacuation routes will likely see a sudden increase in traffic volume. Motorists will want to be on the road with enough time (and gasoline) to get to their destinations safely.

Even more than in “normal” hurricane seasons, early preparations are exceedingly important. There are several ways the pandemic complicates emergency planning. Both evacuees and potential hosts have a lot to consider.

Tips for potential evacuees

• Protecting yourself and your family from the dangers of a potential hurricane should always be your first priority.
• If you must evacuate, use as many precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 as you can.
• Do not let fear of the coronavirus stop you from taking sensible safety precautions against a hurricane or any other disaster.

Make as many preparations ahead of time as are possible. Have a plan for your family, your home and your business.

• Safeguard your home
• Prepare an emergency kit, a “go” kit and a “return” kit
• Know your evacuation route
• Prepare your vehicles
• Travel with adequate prescription drugs and pertinent medical information and contact information.
• Make plans for your pets – most shelters do not accept pets.
• Check COVID-19 regulations at your evacuation destination and be prepared to follow them. (masks, social distancing, etc)
• Think ahead to your return home for adjustments that may be necessary due to the storm’s effect. Plan for several days where help and resources will be scarce.

Tips for host families during emergencies

If you have relatives living in areas that are most vulnerable to hurricanes, it’s possible your home may be one of their usual “safe havens.”  You and your “maybe” visitors should be in touch with each other early to plan for the safety of all involved.

Because of issues that may be complicated by the coronavirus, some extra planning will be required this season. It is always a good idea to have a plan in mind, because warnings may sometimes be relatively short. Taking extra folks into your home will require some extra thought, especially if your home or the evacuating family includes high risk people. Many high risk people will likely need to continue to remain generally isolated from others for their own safety.

A few points for consideration:

• Vulnerable family members must be protected as much as reasonably possible.
• Having a larger size group in your home, while manageable, even “fun” under normal circumstances may become a serious problem with COVID-19. Plan for individuals to have adequate space for safety. Observe social distancing.
• Consider utilizing local hotel, motels, B&Bs, if necessary, to spread out safely.
• If you live in an area that typically hosts large numbers of evacuees, realize that local hospitals and medical resources may be very stretched this year.
• Drive safely, play safely, beware of home accidents, etc. that may land you in an emergency room or hospital already overrun with COVID-19 patients.

Resources for making your storm preparations easier

If you don’t already have something similar, check out the excellent printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist from Broward County, Florida, here.

Sheltering during the Pandemic: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/covid-19/public-disaster-shelter-during-covid.html

American Red Cross Emergency Planning: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/coronavirus-safety/preparing-for-disaster-during-covid-19.html

Pandemic readiness: https://www.ready.gov/pandemic

The 2020 MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide is a useful resource for people to find the best evacuation route, and it’s just a click away. Order a free copy today at GoMDOT.com/maps. Guides are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

• For more hurricane safety tips, visit GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.
• During the storm, the public can stay updated on live travel and weather information 24/7 with MDOT’s free travel resources. Visit MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app.