Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Ready or not: When that day
comes
These maps provide recommended evacuation routes and Red Cross approved shelters
in our region.
Metro
| North
| East
Bay [North] | East
Bay [South] | South
County [East] | South
County [West] | West
Bay
About these maps
Weather conditions and ocean temperatures make Southern New England a potential
target for hurricanes. While a major hurricane hasn't hit Rhode Island in about
half a century, weather experts say the state is due. And when that day comes,
Rhode Island won't have much time to react. The devastation that occurred along
the Gulf Coast and in Florida during the 2005 hurricane season dramatically
illustrated the importance of careful preparation by federal, state and local
governments, as well as by residents. State officials have worked together with
at least 21 coastal communities and others to develop a comprehensive hurricane
plan for Rhode Island.
This map shows the plan's recommended evacuation routes and Red Cross approved
shelters in our region. Areas prone to dangerous flooding from a hurricane's
storm surge, based on data from a study conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers,
are highlighted with dark shading. People within these areas will be advised
to evacuate when a major hurricane landfall is imminent. Dams that could cause
significant damage if breached are also shown.
Evacuation routes are meant to direct people away from hazardous flood-prone
areas to main throughfares and highways, and, in some cases, to the state line.
Evacuees must determine their own destinations. Round blue evacuation signs
are being posted along these routes, but there are no signs to indicate where
evacuation routes end.
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