Make an Evacuation Plan
Creating a family hurricane preparedness plan before a storm threatens your area is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family.
If your plan involves evacuating to a safer location, be sure to consider the following key points:
1. Don’t Wait to Evacuate
- Leave Early: If evacuation orders are issued, don’t wait or delay your departure. Ideally, leave before local officials issue the evacuation order to avoid heavy traffic and long delays. Early evacuation will make your journey faster and safer.
- Local Evacuation: You generally only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds (in some cases). Choose an evacuation destination close to home, preferably within the same county, to minimize travel time. The further you plan to travel, the more likely you will encounter traffic jams.
2. Prepare for Traffic
- Expect Delays: If you choose to evacuate to another county or region, be prepared for possible delays due to heavy traffic. Major congestion on evacuation routes is common during hurricane events, especially in larger storms that trigger multi-county evacuations.
- Plan for Extended Travel Times: Even a slight delay in your departure can drastically increase your travel time. Plan ahead to leave early and factor in possible traffic.
3. Plan Your Destination Ahead of Time
- Stay with Friends or Family: If possible, arrange to stay with friends or family who live nearby and are not in an evacuation zone. Discuss these plans well in advance of hurricane season to ensure everyone knows the details.
- Hotels and Motels: If staying with friends or family is not an option, plan to stay in a hotel or motel. Make reservations before you leave to ensure availability. Rooms in inland areas can fill up quickly, especially along major evacuation routes. Don’t wait until the last minute, even if an official evacuation order hasn’t been issued yet.
- Shelter as a Last Resort: If you cannot find a hotel room or a place to stay, shelters are a last resort. Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort and may not accept pets. Bring your disaster supply kit with you to any shelter.
4. Prepare Your Vehicle
- Fill Up Your Gas Tank: Ensure your vehicle is filled with gas before you leave. Gas stations may run out of fuel quickly during evacuations, so it’s best to have a full tank ready.
- Car Emergency Kit: Prepare a car emergency kit that includes a flashlight, extra batteries, portable phone chargers, snacks, water, blankets, and any necessary medications.
5. Bring Your Disaster Supply Kit
No matter where you are headed, bring your disaster supply kit with you. This kit should include food, water, medications, important documents, and anything you may need for at least 7 days (check our checklist for more details). If you have pets, make sure to include their disaster supplies as well.
6. Pet Considerations
- Service Animals: Service animals are allowed in most shelters, but you should verify the shelter’s policies in advance.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Some hotels and motels will waive “no pet” policies during emergencies, but you should confirm pet policies when making reservations. Always have a list of pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your area.
- Don’t Leave Pets Behind: Never leave your pets at home during an evacuation. Bring all necessary supplies to care for them, including food, water, leashes, and carriers.
Additional Useful Information:
- Stay Informed: Tune into local news and weather updates to stay informed about evacuation routes, traffic conditions, and shelter locations.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone: Understand which evacuation zone you live in and follow guidance from local authorities regarding when and where to evacuate.
- Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important emergency contacts, including family members, local authorities, and shelter locations.
By following this evacuation plan, you will be prepared to keep your family and pets safe during a hurricane or other natural disaster. Remember, the key to a smooth evacuation is planning ahead and staying informed. Use our Disaster Supply Kit Checklist for more details on what to pack.