If DC had to be evacuated, what would be the best routes through Nova?

[Mint Sauce]

Oh, yeah, those multi towels from REI would be great in this situation:

REI MultiTowel Lite X Large Towel - 49" x 29.5" - Free Shipping at REI.com

I'll see you in Appalacia!

[Alyzza]

I don't think there would be any way out of the area unless you were on a motorcycle. Assuming there would be a way, I'd head west. The place where I used to work often sent out emails about sheltering in place and what to put in an emergency backpack. One of the first things in my backpack would be a space blanket:

Walmart.com: Grabber SPACE Brand Emergency Blanket Silver/Silver: Camping

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Alyzza

I don't think there would be any way out of the area unless you were on a motorcycle. Assuming there would be a way, I'd head west.

Yes, the problem is is that thousands of others will head west too.

Originally Posted by United_Caps_Skins_Fan

The access point that I know of is at BearsDen on the far north end of Mt. Weather. You can access the AT there at BearsDen. ITs about 6 nautical miles from Purcellville. (7 to 8 miles by road) . . . .

Very informative post. I didn't know all this was back there.

Reminds me, if there were an evacution, some kind of shelters or outposts should be designated. Perhaps the schools could operate as shelters and also use school buses to transport the elderly, assist hospitals, or people in need.

Perhaps sports arenas, stadiums, or other large structures could be shelters. Since there's lots of farmland/open spaces, these could be used for parking vehicles.

Rte 81 would become a major artery for transportation needs.

In the event of inclement weather, there should be a call out for SUVs and ATVs for assistance. ATVs are small enough to get into tight spaces and can maneuver through snow.

[ACWhite]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

If I were home, I would just hunker down. I have already collected extra water, canned food, etc. and stored them in our root cellar.

If I were at work downtown, I'd try to get out ASAP. Otherwise, my back-up plan is to stay at a friend's house in Arlington until I could make my way home.

Also, since we are in Winchester I might have some friends from DC or Arlington who need to flee so I would get my guest rooms ready!

As an Arlington res., I'd be happy to sell out to the highest bidder if anyone wants to crash here during the next (faux) disaster.

[hilsmom]

Originally Posted by ACWhite

As an Arlington res., I'd be happy to sell out to the highest bidder if anyone wants to crash here during the next (faux) disaster.

I can't remember what happened (maybe an accident?) that jammed up the Dulles Toll Road one night while I was commuting from Ballston to Reston, but the lines at WFC were SO bad, I just got back on the metro and doubled back to Rosslyn to hang out with my aunt. No way was I waiting 3 hours in the cold when I could find a warm place and a meal elsewhere.

You are sitting on a gold mine, you know

[Forehead]

I'm walking...I run anyways so I'm in shape enough to do it; seems to me that's a better option that sitting around. When we had the earthquake a little while ago, there were no commuter buses making it through and the metro stations were near anarchy....I hoofed it from Chinatown to my father's place in the Falls Church/McLean area.

It was about 11 miles, which wouldn't have been too bad if I had sneakers. As it was, my work shoes gave me a few blisters, but that was about the worst that came of the whole thing.

[yamota]

youch! humping 18 klicks in work shoes is not a desirable proposition. I guess hiking boots is another thing I'll have to have in my work emergency pack

[Caladium]

I've always kept a pair of running shoes in my car, just in case of emergency.