When disasters strike communities, people largely pull together and look for ways to support one another, protect what remains, and re-establish a sense of normalcy. But ample evidence also exists that the opposite can also hold true, to include looting, lawlessness; sexual assaults, general violence, and fraud.

One need only refer back to some of the tales of post-Katrina New Orleans as a reminder.

AlertsUSA subscribers in or near the affected areas should be prepared to protect themselves, family and property in the aftermath. Those who are evacuating should secure their homes or businesses just as if they are leaving for vacation. Lock up tight and don’t leave any valuables out in plain sight.

In addition, be prepared for the possibility that law enforcement will limit freedom of movement within the evacuation zones, especially at night. Expect  Curfews are a distinct possibility.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: DO NOT publicize your evacuation plans, and in particular, on social media. According to the Horry County, SC Sheriff’s Office (Myrtle Beach-Conway area), "Publicizing your evacuation plans/routes may be opportunities of crime for people with bad intentions."

Additionally, while not yet reported in the mainstream media, federal and state authorities already have plans in place for another "diaspora" in the case of widespread catastrophic damage leaving many homeless.

As a point of reference, the map shown in the link below illustrates the national scope of the dispersion of displaced people following Hurricane Katrina. It shows the location by zip code of the 800,000 displaced Louisiana residents who requested federal emergency assistance. The evacuees ended up dispersed across the entire nation (with the highest density to surrounding states), illustrating the wide-ranging impacts that can flow from extreme weather events.

Following large-scale disasters, nerves are frayed and patience often pushed to the limits. As such, caution, vigilance and extra effort at kindness are urged.