The poll is one of the leading elements of the National Hurricane Survival Initiative – a public education and safety outreach partnership that includes the National Hurricane Center, FEMA, The National Emergency Management Association, The Salvation Army and the State of North Carolina. Corporate partners in the project include Plylox, Travelers and AT&T.
Other elements of this year’s initiative are an informative and interactive Web site, www.HurricaneSafety.org, a series of related public service announcements and a 30-minute television program, “The National Hurricane Survival Test.” The television program will be broadcast throughout hurricane season on more than 50 television and cable network affiliates from Texas to Maine. Residents are encouraged to visit our Web site for a list of broadcast partners or to check their local listings for air dates and times.
The survey also found many residents have yet to take the proper precautions. Some said they would wait before evacuating, and nearly 30 percent would travel as far as possible, trying to outrun the path of the storm. These factors increase the chances of evacuees getting stuck in traffic gridlock and caught on the road. Emergency management officials recommend arranging to stay, in advance, with the nearest friend or relative outside the evacuation area or going to the nearest certified shelter.
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