How to Determine if You Should Evacuate Before a Hurricane

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Leave when local officials recommend that leaving is safest to do.

   Definitely leave if they make an order for evacuation; such an order should never be ignored.On some occasions, you may be ordered to stay at home, where officials consider that this is safer than leaving.
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   Step 2: Evacuate if your house is located in an area known to be prone to flooding.

   , If you live on a barrier island, and your portion of the island is known for storm surge damage, evacuate ahead of a hurricane. , If your home lacks hurricane reinforcing, is a mobile, manufactured or modular home, and it's in a coastal or storm surge area, consider evacuating.
   
   Realize that even if your house is considered safe and weathers the hurricane, the aftermath of a hurricane in your area may be devastating.
   
   Getting out and about may be very difficult and even dangerous.
   
   Loss of power and water, and an inability to get supplies, can make staying treacherous––survival is longer than the actual storm event. , Where possible, evacuate the persons who are most vulnerable.
   
   This includes babies, children, teens, the frail elderly, pregnant women, persons with an illness and people with high levels of anxiety.
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   Step 3: Evacuate if you live where storm surge damage is known to occur.

4. 4

   Step 4: Evacuate if your home is not safe.

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   Step 5: Put your health and safety above all else.

Detailed Guide

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