Evacuation Information

"Move from the water, Brace for the wind"

If you are advised to evacuate your home and move to temporary location, there are a few things you should remember:

Follow the instructions and advice of your local government. If you are advised to evacuate, do so promptly. If certain travel routes are specified or recommended, use those routes (Charleston County Evacuation Directions and Map). Once an order is given you may not be allowed to select your route. If you plan to leave, leave early.

Travel with care.

	If you are driving your car to another location, keep in mind it is best to leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooding roads, fallen trees and wires.
	Make sure the gas tank in your car is full and listen to the radio as you travel for additional information and instructions from the government.
	Make sure you have a South Carolina highway map in your vehicle.
	Evaluate and be prepared to use parallel routes out of the community - this may include smaller roads that run parallel to the interstates and other highways.
	If you must travel with more than one vehicle, plan to leave early to avoid traffic.
	In advance of leaving your residence, prepare your family Disaster Kit and take it with you in the car.

When an emergency is declared and an evacuation order is announced, designated shelters are opened by school officials, operated by the Red Cross and announced on local radio and television stations.

While shelters are available in a hurricane situation, officials urge citizens to use alternative housing options, such as traveling to a friend's or relative's inland home or a motel. And remember, even inland shelters and motels may experience loss of electrical power. Take your Emergency Supplies Kit with you.

Citizens who do relocate to a shelter are asked to bring blankets and pillows, some food for the first day and any necessary medications and sanitary supplies. It is highly recommended citizens bring their Emergency Supplies Kit.