Hurricane Preparedness: Evacuation and Safety Tips from Team Rubicon

Hurricane Season Preparedness

• ⚠️ With an active hurricane season predicted, understanding evacuation procedures is crucial for safety.
• 🏠 Mobile homes and RVs are not safe shelters and individuals should plan for potential extended periods without power, water, and gas.

Evacuation and Emergency Supplies

• 🗺️ Key steps include knowing when and how to evacuate, having a way to receive warnings, identifying your evacuation zone, and locating the nearest emergency storm shelter.
• 🎒 A go-bag should be packed and ready, including essential medications and supplies for pets.
• 💧 Recommended emergency supplies include at least 3-5 days' worth of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items.

Protecting Homes and Communities

• 🌊 Residents in flood zones or near the Gulf Coast must pay close attention to evacuation warnings, as storm surge is the most deadly aspect of hurricanes.
• 🏠 Protecting homes involves covering windows and doors with plywood to mitigate damage.

Team Rubicon's Role

• 🛠️ Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit, deploys teams to clear roadways, assist trapped individuals, and support emergency responders immediately after a storm.
• 💪 They also provide long-term recovery assistance, helping with storm damage removal, debris clearing, and boarding up homes to facilitate a quicker return to normalcy.

Preparing for Reduced Government Aid

• 📊 Team Rubicon is closely monitoring potential FEMA budget cuts and has developed exercise protocols to ensure readiness regardless of federal funding.
• 🤝 They are committed to standing by and ready to help communities after any storm, emphasizing their independent operational capacity.

During a Storm

• 🔒 If unable to evacuate, the most important action is to move to the most secure part of the home, such as an interior room away from windows and doors.
• ⏳ Do not go outside during the storm, even if the eye passes over, as the back half of the storm is still approaching. Wait for an all-clear signal.