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Department
of
Emergency Management |
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DISASTER DRIVING
SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORISTS IN EMERGENCIES
Americans are world-famous for their long-term love affair with the automobile. In times of emergency, however, people often react incorrectly, either staying with or abandoning their cars at the wrong time.
A mistake can be fatal.
After almost every disaster, search and rescue teams find victims who might have survived if they had known whether to stay with or leave their cars.
Following are safety tips for drivers in various types of emergencies. This information should be kept in the glove compartment of your car. In any situation, the most important rule is: Don't Panic!
EARTHQUAKE
STAY IN THE CAR
Bring the car to a halt as soon as safely possible, then remain in the car until the shaking has stopped. The car's suspension system will make the car shake violently during the quake, but it is still a safe place to be. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, overpasses and utility wires. When the quaking has stopped, proceed cautiously, avoiding bridges and other elevated structures which might have been damaged by the quake and could be damaged further by aftershocks.
HURRICANE
EVACUATE EARLY
Flooding can begin well before a hurricane nears land. Plan to evacuate early, and keep a full tank of gas during the hurricane season. Learn the best evacuation route before a storm forms, and make arrangements with friends or relatives inland to stay with them until the storm has passed. Never attempt to drive during a hurricane or until the all-clear is given after the storm. Flash flooding can occur after a hurricane has passed. Avoid driving on coastal and low-lying roads. Storm surge and hurricane-caused flooding are erratic and may occur with little or no warning.
LISTEN to radio or television for the latest National Weather Service bulletins on severe weather for the area in which you will drive.
FLOOD
GET OUT OF THE CAR
Never attempt to drive through water on a road. Water can be deeper than it appears, and water levels can rise very quickly. Most cars will float dangerously for at least a short while. A car can be buoyed by floodwaters and then swept downstream during a flood. Floodwaters also can erode roadways, and a missing section of road--even a missing bridge--will not be visible with water running over the area. Wade through floodwaters only if the water is not flowing rapidly and only in water no higher than the knees. If a car stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground. The floodwaters may still be rising, and the car could be swept away at any moment.
TORNADO
GET OUT OF THE CAR
A car is the least safe place to be during a tornado. When a warning is issued, do not try to leave the area by car. If you are in a car, leave it and find shelter in a building. If a tornado approaches and there are no safe structures nearby, lie flat in a ditch or other ground depression with your arms over your head.
BLIZZARD
STAY IN THE CAR
Avoid driving in severe winter storms. If you are caught in a storm and your car becomes immobilized, stay in the vehicle and await rescue. Do not attempt to walk from the car unless you can see a definite safe haven at a reasonable distance. Disorientation during blizzard conditions comes rapidly and being lost in the snow is exceedingly dangerous. Turn on the auto engine for brief periods to provide heat, but always leave a down-wind window open slightly to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Exercise occasionally by clapping hands and moving around. Do not remain in one position for long, but avoid overexertion and exposure from shoveling or pushing the car. Leave the dome light on at night as a signal for rescuers. If more than one person is in the car, sleep only in shifts.
SUMMER HEAT
STAY OUT OF A PARKED CAR
During hot weather , heat build-up in a closed or nearly closed car can occur quickly and intensely. Children and pets can die from heat stroke in a matter of minutes when left in a closed car. Never leave anyone in a parked car during periods of high summer heat.
DEVELOPING EMERGENCY
STAY INFORMED
In times of developing emergencies such as toxic material spill, nuclear plant accident, or enemy attack, keep a radio or television on and await instructions. If evacuation is recommended, move quickly but calmly, following instructions as to route to be used, evacuation shelter to be sought, and other directions.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
KEEP IN THE CAR
Cars should be equipped with supplies which could be useful in any emergency. Depending on location, climate of the area, personal requirements and other variables, the supplies in the kit might include (but are not limited to) the following:
 Blanket or sleeping bag |
First aid kit |
| Booster cables and tools |
Matches and candles |
| Bottled water |
Necessary medication |
| Canned fruits and nuts |
Rain gear and extra clothes |
| Can opener |
Shovel |
| Flashlight |
Traction mats or chains |
NEVER CARRY GASOLINE IN CONTAINERS OTHER THAN THE CAR'S GAS TANK!
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