Yellowhammer Times

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is urging drivers to prepare for the ongoing hurricane season. While ALDOT crews are ready to respond, the department emphasizes that individual preparedness is crucial for road safety. Hurricanes can affect areas far from the coast, and significant impacts may occur even without a major storm.

Drivers are advised to know their evacuation routes, especially if they live in or travel through coastal areas. ALDOT recommends using official hurricane evacuation route maps and checking ALGOtraffic.com for real-time traffic updates before traveling.

Fuel shortages often occur during hurricanes due to increased demand and supply chain issues. Drivers should keep their gas tanks at least half full throughout the season. Vehicle inspections are also essential; tires, brakes, batteries, windshield wipers, and fluid levels should be checked in advance.

Building a car emergency kit is recommended. Essential items include a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid supplies, a phone charger, bottled water, nonperishable snacks, a blanket, rain gear, and paper maps.

ALDOT advises staying connected by following their social media updates before, during, and after storms. Drivers should avoid flooded roads as just 12 inches of water can carry away small vehicles. "Turn around, don’t drown," is the advice given.

Listening to local officials and adhering to weather alerts is crucial. If evacuation orders are issued, leaving early can help avoid congestion and worsening conditions.

"At ALDOT, safety is always our top priority," states the department. They encourage drivers to have a plan and stay informed.

Information from this article can be found here.