Hurricane Preparedness: Should You Evacuate or Stay Put?

During hurricane season, the decision to evacuate is often a personal one. But there are times when the decision to evacuate is mandatory, and also, when it is the only safe option for you and your family.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether or not you should evacuate. These questions are not the only questions that you should ask yourself when making your decision to evacuate, but they might give you some guidance. Also, never leave your pets behind when evacuating your residence.

1) Do you live in an evacuation area?

There are certain areas-usually within close proximity to the beach--that the county designates as evacuation areas. If there is a storm coming your way, then the county officials will likely begin ordering evacuations. Usually the evacuations are voluntary in the beginning, but when it is almost certain that the storm will be coming to your area, the evacuation orders will become mandatory. It is important that you heed mandatory evacuation orders. The areas that have been designated evacuation areas have been chosen for a reason-they are not safe during a storm, so you must leave. Otherwise, you could be in harm's way with no one who can get to you during and after the storm if bridges are washed out, etc.

2) Are you unable to take care of yourself or your family in the event that your home is damaged and/or you have no power for an extended period of time?

If you are aware that you cannot take care of yourself or your loved ones, then it is probably a good idea to evacuate to a safe place well before the storm comes ashore. An example of someone who should probably go elsewhere would be someone who has a medical condition and a lack of power could cause the condition to worsen.

3) Is your home unsafe?