[KYHAM] KEN Training Topic for February 2004: Disaster Driving

[Ron Dodson]

Disasters can happen at any time of the year.  They can be caused 
by natural or man made events.  Responding in the aftermath of a 
disaster requires a certain amount of mobility.  Yet, at the same 
time, most disasters are the absolute worst of times to move from 
point to point.  In this month's training segment we will look at 
some tips for driving in a variety of disaster situations.

To begin with, your vehicle must be kept in as near of a 
"disaster ready" state as possible at all times.  Your 
automobile�s mechanical works should be in good order as well as 
tires, battery, brakes, windshield wipers and fuel supply. 
Disaster operations will tax you and your vehicle to the limit.

As mentioned in other training articles of the past, a near empty 
fuel tank will not get you far if there is no power at the pump 
to refuel.  Debris and other road hazards will place an added 
threat upon your tires, brakes, steering and suspension systems. 
A vehicle prone to overheating will be nearly useless if it must 
sit and run for extended periods of time. Poorly maintained radio 
systems, as well as unsecured radios that flop around in the 
vehicle, will be of dubious value to any ARES or RACES operator 
in an emergency.

Now that we have looked at the vehicle, let�s look at the driver. 
  Are you tired from working long hours before going mobile in 
less than optimum conditions?  OR, Had you just prior to the 
emergency been indulging in what the Ol� Timers referred to as 
�807�s� or �suds�? Is there anything that may lower your 
alertness or reaction times?  If the answer is �yes� to any of 
these, it would be better for you to, �sit this one out� until 
you are more rested and capable of accomplishing your objective. 
  If you are in good shape and fairly rested, let�s hit the road!

EARTHQUAKES

If you are in a vehicle when an earthquake occurs, stay in the 
vehicle!  Stop away from trees, power lines and other hazards 
that may collapse on the vehicle. Stay there until the shaking 
stops. Earthquakes can undermine roads, bridges, overpasses and 
other structures without the damage always being apparent. 
Following an earthquake, while they may be useable, ALWAYS expect 
that driving surfaces will have sustained damages and be of 
questionable integrity until they have been examined by qualified 
engineers and declared safe.  Never assume that because it looks 
alright, that there is no possibility that something may give way.

FLOODING

Hydroplaning on rain slick surfaces is a constant hazard 
throughout the year. Avoid using high speeds on wet surfaces and 
if you skid; STAY off the brake! Or, if you must, pump it gently. 
Take your foot of the gas and allow the car to slow down. Steer 
in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding. Once it 
straightens out, correct your steering to avoid skidding in the 
opposite direction. Flood waters can sweep away any vehicle, even 
larger trucks and RV�s, if there is enough water crossing a 
roadway. Cars can be lifted by as little as six inches of water 
and carried down stream. Never try to walk through rushing flood 
waters! Remember flash flooding is a killer. Far too many die 
annually trying to drive or walk through waters from flash flood 
events.

Severe Storms and Winter Driving

Severe storms can clog roadways with debris, downed tress and 
utility lines etc.  Always be mindful of these hazards as well as 
the danger of hydroplaning on wet surfaces. Winter time brings 
snow and icing conditions that are further compounded by frigid 
temperature extremes that can kill in short periods of time.

Make sure that all your windows are clear before starting out. Be 
sure to remove snow and ice from headlights, taillights and brake 
lights. For added safety, keep your headlights on whenever you 
are driving. Never use brakes on slick winter roadways. 
Decelerate to slow your vehicle or gear down before ever using 
brakes. Allow more time to get to your destination during snowy 
weather. Remember too, it takes longer for a car to stop on snow 
covered or icy roads, allow more space between vehicles. Rather 
than the normal two-to-three seconds between cars, increase the 
time to eight-to-ten seconds or more.

Getting out of a snow bank or muddy road shoulder will take 
patience and a light foot on the gas. Avoid spinning the tires! 
Try to find the path of least resistance between your car and 
solid ground, and then clear the snow from in front, behind and 
around all four tires. Now, liberally sprinkle sand or kitty 
litter in front and behind all drive wheels. Remember to keep the 
front wheels as straight as possible. The more your wheels are 
turned to either side, the more resistance they will create, 
making it harder to get out. Put the car in the lowest gear and 
gently press down on the gas. If necessary, start a rocking 
motion (forward-reverse-forward-reverse-forward) to gain 
momentum; but do not spin the wheels.

Always, in all emergencies, be alert for utility repair crews and 
emergency vehicles.  They have the right-of-way!  Amateur radio 
operators can be a major asset to local governments and served 
agencies in disasters. Your ability to assist in the response 
requires that you be able to reach your assigned duty location 
without becoming a part of the problem. Good judgment and 
preparedness beforehand will go a long way toward assisting you 
in reaching your designated assignment.

73,
Ron Dodson, KA4MAP
SEC Ky