Preparing for a Hurricane Evacuation
What to Do Before You Leave
Evacuations are becoming more common during hurricane season—and not just along the coast. While coastal areas often take the spotlight, inland and mountainous regions are increasingly experiencing severe flooding, high winds, and storm-related impacts as hurricanes move inland.
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, it’s critical to act quickly and be prepared. Taking the right steps ahead of time can help protect your family, reduce stress, and ensure a smoother evacuation process.
What to Do Before You Evacuate
Preparing in advance can make a significant difference in your safety and ability to recover after a storm. Consider the following steps as part of your evacuation plan:
- Pack an evacuation kit
- Prepare a kit with essential supplies, including drinking water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, cash, and important documents such as identification and insurance policies.
- For a complete list of recommended items, view our Hurricane Emergency Kit Checklist.
- Establish a meeting place
- If your household becomes separated during an evacuation, having a predetermined meeting location can help ensure everyone reconnects safely.
- Choose a reliable contact
- Designate a friend or relative outside of the affected area as a central point of contact. This person can help coordinate communication and provide updates if local networks are disrupted.
- Identify nearby shelters
- Research local shelters ahead of time and understand your options. Be sure to share this information with family members so everyone knows where to go if needed.
- Plan multiple evacuation routes
- Traffic congestion and road closures are common during evacuations. Identify primary and alternate routes in advance to avoid delays.
- Prepare your vehicle
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition, keep your gas tank full, and have basic emergency supplies available, such as jumper cables and a spare tire.
- Plan for pets
- Not all shelters accommodate pets. Identify pet friendly shelters or boarding options ahead of time, and prepare food, medications, and carriers for your animals.
Be Prepared Before an Evacuation is Needed
Preparation should begin well before a storm is in the forecast. Reviewing your plans and securing your home in advance can help minimize potential risks and disruptions.
We recommend reviewing our Before the Storm Checklist for Individuals to ensure your home, belongings, and family are fully prepared ahead of hurricane season.
If you own a business, evacuation planning should also include protecting your employees, property, and operations. You can learn more by reviewing our Before the Storm Checklist for Businesses.
Returning After the Storm
Do not return to your home until local authorities have confirmed it is safe to do so. Once you are able to return, carefully assess any damage and document losses as soon as possible.
For additional guidance on next steps, view our resources on what to do after the storm.
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