Waffle House plans to stay open through Hurricane Matthew

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WFXB) – Many residents in South Carolina are planning to evacuate, but Waffle House is preparing to to serve thousands and plans to stay open during the height of Hurricane Matthew.

The popular diner chain renowned for its 24-hour service has an emergency routine that’s so well-regarded, FEMA unofficially uses the restaurants’ status as an indicator for the severity of a natural disaster.

When a storm strikes, local officials will put out a call to the nearest Waffle House and find out what’s on the menu. the “Waffle House index” has three, color-coded levels: green means the restaurant is open and serving a full menu; yellow indicates the menu has been scaled back and there may be water but no power; and red indicates the restaurant is completely shut down—and the area is likely in need of serious assistance.

Only restaurants in areas with mandatory evacuations in place will be shut down this week.