The Importance of Evacuation Planning for Tennessee and Northern Alabama Residents

As many as 1.5 million people live in the 10-county Chattanooga area, and more than half of them live in Tennessee.

While the area is not prone to hurricanes, tornadoes are a very real threat. In fact, the National Weather Service reports that Tennessee is ranked 3rd in the nation for the number of tornadoes per 10,000 square miles.

Northern Alabama is also vulnerable to tornadoes, as well as flooding. The Tennessee Valley Authority reports that the Tennessee River is the nation’s most flood-prone river.

With the potential for such severe weather, it’s important for residents of Tennessee and northern Alabama to have a evacuation plan in place. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating your plan:

1. Know your evacuation route. Familiarize yourself with the roads you’ll need to take to get out of the area. If possible, plan more than one route in case of road closures.

2. Have a designated meeting place. Choose a safe location where your family can regroup if you get separated. This could be a friend or relative’s house outside of the area, a public building like a library or community center, or even a landmark.

3. Pack an emergency kit. This should include items like non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, medications, important documents, and a map of the area.

4. Know your pets’ needs. If you have pets, make sure you have a plan for evacuating them as well. This may include packing a pet carrier and having a list of pet-friendly hotels or shelters in the area.

5. Stay informed. Keep a battery-operated radio or television in your home so you can stay up-to-date on the latest weather and road conditions.

By following these tips, you can be prepared for any severe weather that may come your way.

https://www.weather.gov/ohx/
https://www.tvahydro.com/safety/prepare-for-flooding
https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan