Should I stay or go?
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GO: If you live in a mobile home or in a storm surge or flood zone, your decision to stay or go is easy. At the first announcement of a hurricane watch, you should prepare to leave.
If you haven’t already made shelter arrangements for yourself and your pets and a hurricane watch has been issued for your area, now is the time to rely on the hospitality of a nearby friend or relative in a safe area. It’s likely already too late to find a safe hotel room or shelter for your pet.
STAY: If you are not in a storm surge or flood zone and live in a home you have hurricane-proofed, have developed a family disaster plan and have assembled a disaster survival kit, your decision is equally easy. Review your plan with family members, double-check your window protection and disaster supplies, notify out-of-state family that a hurricane is threatening and work your way through your checklist.
DECIDE AT THE TIME: If you live in a reasonably well-constructed home you have not hurricane-proofed, you face a difficult choice. You will generally be safer in the safest interior area of your home than in your car, and the more dangerous the storm, the more likely you are to face gridlock while trying to evacuate.
If you are lucky, handy with a hammer and saw and willing to endure long lines at your building-supply store, you may have time to protect your garage doors and windows.
When a hurricane watch is issued
(Issued when hurricane conditions are likely within 24 to 36 hours)
When a hurricane warning is issued
(Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.)
If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
If you haven’t already made shelter arrangements for yourself and your pets and a hurricane watch has been issued for your area, now is the time to rely on the hospitality of a nearby friend or relative in a safe area. It’s likely already too late to find a safe hotel room or shelter for your pet.
STAY: If you are not in a storm surge or flood zone and live in a home you have hurricane-proofed, have developed a family disaster plan and have assembled a disaster survival kit, your decision is equally easy. Review your plan with family members, double-check your window protection and disaster supplies, notify out-of-state family that a hurricane is threatening and work your way through your checklist.
DECIDE AT THE TIME: If you live in a reasonably well-constructed home you have not hurricane-proofed, you face a difficult choice. You will generally be safer in the safest interior area of your home than in your car, and the more dangerous the storm, the more likely you are to face gridlock while trying to evacuate.
If you are lucky, handy with a hammer and saw and willing to endure long lines at your building-supply store, you may have time to protect your garage doors and windows.
When a hurricane watch is issued
(Issued when hurricane conditions are likely within 24 to 36 hours)
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane-progress reports.
- Check emergency supplies.
- Fuel car.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
- Remove outside antennas.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.
- Open refrigerator only when necessary and close quickly.
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
- Review evacuation plan.
- Moor boat securely or move it to a safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
When a hurricane warning is issued
(Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.)
- Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
- If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
- Avoid elevators.
If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
- Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Unplug appliances. Turn off electricity, gas and main water valve.
- Tell your designated family contact or someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
- If time permits and you live in a surge or flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding, or, better yet, move it to a higher floor.
- Take disaster supply kit, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
- Lock up home and leave.
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