Moving To Safety

How do I know whether I should evacuate?

Counties are divided into evacuation zones according to the power of threatening storms. The zones are based on the Saffir-Simpson ranking of storms.

In a Category 1, or minimal hurricane, people in the first zone will be told to evacuate. For a Category 2 storm, people in the first two zones will be told to leave, and so on up to a Category 5 hurricane.

Everyone in a mobile home must evacuate no matter what size storm is approaching.

Find your neighborhood on the county evacuation map. If you are in one of the colored zones, you may be ordered to leave.

If you still are unsure, contact your county emergency management office.

You should find this out now.

My home is strong enough. Why should I evacuate?

The simple answer: to save your life. Evacuation zones are based on the expected storm surge from a hurricane that will push water levels up along coastlines and into bays and rivers.

Your house could be under water. The storm surge and waves on top of that can demolish the strongest house.

How should I get ready?

First decide where you will go. The best refuge is with friends, co-workers, relatives or church members who are outside the evacuation zone.

As a last resort, you can go to an emergency shelter, but these offer only bare-bone necessities and comfort is not as valued as safety.

Don't just get in the car and drive without a plan for where to go. Hotels will fill quickly, especially if other counties have already ordered an evacuation.

Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do during an evacuation, where you will go and what they will bring. Decide who will drive which vehicle.

Set up a person out of the area to act as a family contact in case family members become separated.

What about my pets?

Make your pet arrangements now.

Most public shelters will not accept pets. Friends or relatives are the best option.

Kennels outside the evacuation zone are another. For a list, check www.hahf.org/literature/hurrbrochure.html .

Be sure to have anything the kennel requires, such as an identification collar and a rabies tag, carrier or cage, food and water, leash, any medications and other items. You must have proof of current vaccinations.

You are responsible for bringing your pet there.

Some hotels also take pets.

A list of pet-friendly hotels can be found at www.spcafl.org. More hotels that accept pets can be found at www.petswelcome.com/milkbone/map.html, though some are far from the area.

Call ahead to check requirements and ensure there's room.

What papers will I need?

Gather important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, loan records, titles, birth certificates, stocks and bonds, legal papers, bank and credit card account information, immunization records, and immigration documents. Add anything it would be difficult to replace if lost.

Then add photos or a video of your valuables for insurance.

Finally, add family photographs and items impossible to replace.

Put these in a sturdy, waterproof container you will take with you.

You could put these items in a safe deposit box, but pick a bank branch outside evacuation zones.

What about food and clothes?

Collect what you need for an evacuation kit that would prepare you to spend three or more days away from home.

This would include a flashlight and spare batteries for each family member, a battery-operated radio and batteries, rain gear, hand sanitizer for each family member and some ready-to-eat food.

You should have diapers, formula, baby food, bottles and any medicine your baby will need.

Some basic hand tools could be helpful.

Pack a first-aid kit and include mosquito repellent and sunscreen for everyone.

If you need prescription medicine, try to pack enough to last two weeks. Pharmacies may have trouble filling prescriptions after the storm.

Everything can be packed in covered plastic containers, duffel bags, backpacks or suitcases.

How can I stay comfortable?

You should take pillows, blankets or sleeping bags, especially if staying in a public shelter.

Also, take changes of clothing for everyone, personal hygiene items, books and quiet games, spare eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Get cash. After a storm it is a cash-based economy because ATMs may not work and credit cards cannot be processed without electricity.

When should I leave?

You should leave as soon as possible after the order is given. Traffic will only get worse the longer you delay.

Evacuation orders are issued long before a storm hits. Officials try to allow for 12 to 15 hours of good weather, but the weather will get bad long before the storm makes landfall.

Remember that bridges will be closed when winds top 40 mph, and by then water could be crashing over causeways.