In the wake of Hurricane Helene, there has been a surge of video uploads, and as with most natural disasters, the scale of devastation is staggering. Many of us have seen in-cab videos wherein unfortunate drivers caught in the path of the hurricane woke up to water rushing through their truck, some forced into the top bunk. Many videos showed footage of semis being washed away in flood waters, some with drivers trying desperately to exit through a window and climb onto the side or top of the tractor or trailer.
These terrible images should hopefully send our minds wandering into hypothetical “what would I do” scenarios – and this is important because the first and best way to plan for your own safety and survival is to have an exit strategy.
Successful exit and/or survival strategies are conceived and developed by having an inner dialogue with oneself well ahead of any disaster event! It’s sort of like muscle memory, with your brain being the primary muscle here. For example, sometimes when a situation is unfolding, it’s safer to remain in place until the right moment. Without the luxury of a crystal ball, we have no idea when the correct moment will occur, but jumping right from the pan may cause one to land in the fire.
For example, a video surfaced recently of a truck being washed away in a surge during Hurricane Helene. The driver could be seen attempting to exit the cab, with the water level at the height of his door right at the bottom of the window. He was trying to exit the driver’s side window, (with nowhere really to go other than into the debris-laden flood surge). As he was nearly standing on the edge of his driver’s side window, the truck was jackknifing, with the trailer rapidly sweeping toward the same window he was exiting. The video ended at that point, and one can only imagine what happened to the driver.
In this case, it’s important to reflect on what the driver might have done differently. Put yourself in that driver’s shoes! Would you have remained in the cab? If that driver knew he was heading into a dangerous situation and was aware of storm warnings, might he have been better prepared?
Here are some things to consider:
Calm is key. Easier said than done, perhaps, but it’s the truth. Take deep breaths and think about emergency scenarios you’ve rehearsed ahead of time. When emotions take over, your rational thinking abilities are hindered, so stay focused and exercise deep breathing.
If water is moving over or covering a roadway, it’s always safer to assume the road beneath has washed out.
It’s better to have something and not need it, than need it and not have it. Some items to consider keeping in your truck (like in a bug-out bag, if you will): inflatables like a small raft or vest that auto-inflates, a Hero Survival bag for warmth, a foil blanket, MREs or some type of meals that need no refrigeration, clean water or a survival straw, a tool to break your window, an external power bank for charging your phone, a first aid kit, and I have a paracord bracelet with a compass, blade, and flint built in.
Stay prepared with apps! There are apps for road and weather conditions, even wind speeds, for nearly every state. Weather radar apps and warnings are also important to stay on top of the weather you may be heading into. Keep in mind that other situations may warrant extreme caution that are non-weather related (rioting, wildfires, rallies of any kind).
If it seems like it’s dangerous, err on the side of caution. Refuse a load heading into a dangerous storm. If you accept the situation and go for it, park strategically (higher ground, outside of danger zones, etc.), let your safety department, family members, and friends know your location if you shut down during an emergency or weather event.
Keep your truck clean and organized. If you have supplies you cannot access or forget where you put them, they will not be of use in an emergency situation. Keep them together, and affix them in a useful location inside your cab. I keep my bug-out bag strapped with a bungee on the top bunk.
Although there isn’t a single way to predict or prepare for every emergency situation, remaining vigilant, staying apprised of weather conditions and noteworthy events you might encounter on your trip, and mentally rehearsing potential scenarios ahead of time will help you prepare for potential disaster situations. Stay safe, and good luck to all!