Editorials

Hurricane season begins June 1. Predictions are that it will be an active one. But even if calculations are wrong, and they have been in the past, a single tropical storm can damage property and cost lives.

There is not much one can do about the property, other than build well and batten down. But lives can be saved if coastal visitors and residents will decide to evacuate, and do so quickly when notice is given.

It is the responsibility of the government — local, state and federal — to provide updated warnings, advise voluntary evacuation, and make leaving mandatory as danger approaches. It's also the responsibility of local, state and federal officials to see that evacuation routes are available and clear for those told to leave.

One of the critical elements in the evacuation process in Alabama has been the reversal of southbound traffic on Interstate 65, which doubles the number of driving lanes available to those fleeing an approaching hurricane. This is no easy task, since exits must be closed and monitored, other traffic must be rerouted, and emergency vehicles must be available in case of problems.

So it is good that Gov. Bob Riley and the Alabama Department of Transportation this week reviewed the state's plan for making all I-65 lanes flow north and held a "mock reversal" so problems can be handled before a hurricane threatens our shores.

State troopers and highway workers have taken part in similar exercises since 2000, but only twice — Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Dennis in 2005 — have the lanes been reversed. In both cases, the process went as smoothly as any emergency procedure can be expected to go. Most significant, there were no fatalities due to the interstate reversal.

These preparations are well and good, but it's important to keep in mind that the greatest responsibility for safety still lies with the individual. Approaching storms must be followed on television and radio, and warnings must be heeded.

Many from east Alabama will spend time on the coast this summer, wanting to get in as many days as possible on the beach. This often causes coast visitors to linger longer than they should, just to see the waves crash in ahead of the system. It also causes some to believe they can ride out the storm.

Hurricanes are dangerous. They kill. There is only so much government can do to protect us. It is our responsibility to do the rest.