photo credit: Connor Scott McManus / Pexels

Key Takeaways

• Evacuating before a hurricane should happen while roads remain safe, fuel is available, and travel conditions are still manageable.
• Official evacuation orders are based on flood risks, storm surge projections, and transportation safety data that residents may not fully see themselves.
• Households in coastal areas, flood-prone neighborhoods, or structurally vulnerable homes face higher evacuation risks during hurricanes.
• Families with children, older adults, medical needs, disabilities, or pets often require additional time and planning before evacuation.
• Waiting for visible danger can reduce safe evacuation options and make travel far more difficult and dangerous.