Hurricane season is underway, and the Alabama Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to prepare now. While ALDOT crews stand ready to respond, your preparedness can make all the difference in staying safe on the road.
Remember, hurricanes aren’t just a coastal problem. Their impacts can reach hundreds of miles inland, and serious effects can occur even without a major hurricane.
Here’s how drivers can get ready before a hurricane hits:
1. Know Your Evacuation Route
If you live in a coastal area or travel through one, familiarize yourself with Alabama’s hurricane evacuation routes. These designated corridors help direct traffic safely and efficiently during large-scale evacuations. Plan alternate routes in case your primary path is blocked. If an evacuation is necessary, use ALDOT’s official hurricane evacuation route map to evacuate.
Before you travel, check ALGOtraffic.com for real-time traffic conditions, road closures, and live camera feeds to help plan your safest route.
2. Fuel Up Early
Don’t wait to fill your gas tank. Fuel shortages are common before, during and after hurricanes due to increased demand and possible supply chain disruptions. Keep your tank at least half full throughout the season.
3. Inspect Your Vehicle
A breakdown during a storm or evacuation can be dangerous. Check your tires, brakes, battery, windshield wipers and fluid levels in advance. Make sure that your spare tire and car tools are ready and in good condition.
4. Stock an Emergency Kit
One of the smartest steps you can take is building a car emergency kit. Think ahead of what you might need if you’re stuck in traffic, rerouted or delayed:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Phone charger
- Bottled water and nonperishable snacks
- Blanket and rain gear
- Paper maps in case a GPS fails
5. Stay Connected
Follow ALDOT on social media for updates before, during and after the storm.
6. Don’t Drive into Danger
Never drive through flooded roads. Just 12 inches of water can carry away a small vehicle, and you can’t see if the road underneath is intact. Turn around, don’t drown.
7. Listen to Local Officials
Pay attention to weather alerts and follow the guidance of emergency management agencies. If evacuation orders are issued, leave early to avoid congestion and worsening weather conditions.
At ALDOT, safety is always our top priority. While our teams will be monitoring conditions and responding behind the scenes, we encourage every driver to have a plan, stay informed and be safe.
