As the Bay area braces for Fay, it’s important to be prepared to keep your family safe.  And don’t forget about your car… if you have to evacuate, this is not the time you want to deal with auto troubles.  Make sure your battery, windshield washers, filters, brakes, fluids, and other critical components are in proper-working order.  In addition, experts recommend keeping an emergency kit in your trunk just in case.  This kit should include the following:

- Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
- Bottled water, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight
- Copies of important documents: driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

And for more emergency ready reminders, log onto Ready America’s website at http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html.

If you have questions related to evacuation routes for your area, the Red Cross has provided detailed, county-by-county information at http://redcross.tallytown.com/map/evacuation.html.

For additional shelter and evacuation resources, visit the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s website at http://www.tampabaydisaster.org/maps.shtml.

HART can also be an important evacuation mode to keep your family safe.  For detailed routes and bus times, visit http://www.hartline.org/departments/marketing/rider_alerts/hurricane/index.htm.

Finally, the best advice is to prepare early.  If you live in an evacuation zone, leave yourself plenty of time.  Driving through the storm is dangerous.  Localized flooding can spell disaster as even a few inches of water can sweep away a full-sized vehicle.  Keep your family safe by calling ahead to where you plan to wait out the storm so someone knows when to expect you.  And don’t forget your cell phone charger to keep in contact with others during and after the storm.

Safe travels.
Alicia