With Hurricane Florence making US landfall, there is no denying hurricane season is upon us. It is time to activate business continuity plans, communication strategies and response procedures. Currently, the FMCSA has issued a regional declaration along most of the east coast. These declarations exempt drivers from Part 390 to 399 of the regulations, including hours of services when providing direct assistance to affected areas. Direct assistance is defined as supplies, fuel, equipment or persons.
Consider reviewing hurricane safety tips to remind drivers how easily they can be affected by the conditions brought on by these storms.
- If possible, stay off the road when conditions worsen – no load is worth the risk.
- Be patient (and careful) with civilians on the road who are evacuating their homes. They may be loaded down with items, along with searching for safety.
- Crosswinds – they can blow you into other lanes, as well as increase the risk of tipping over or jackknifing.
- Be aware of water on the roads. Get your foot off the brake and ease onto the brakes in the event of hydroplaning.
- Carry cash. In the event of power outages, credit cards and ATMs will not work.
- If you need to contact with family or dispatch, consider using text messages versus calls, as texts will get through quicker on an overloaded cell system.
Stay safe and keep up with the weather and road conditions!
