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Things To Know Before You Evacuate

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By BAIRD HELGESON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 29, 2008

Evacuating can be the most stressful decision when a hurricane is barreling toward your area.

To make the evacuation as stress free as possible, disaster experts advise residents to decide early whether to leave. Recent studies indicate it can take 10 times longer than normal to get to a destination during an evacuation.

Of course, a lot of questions arise during an evacuation. Here are some answers based on interviews with local and national disaster experts:

How should I decide when to evacuate?

Monitor local radio and television stations or log on to a news Web site to learn whether officials have ordered evacuations. Waiting until the last minute will only add to the time it takes to reach your destination. Last-minute evacuees could end up in hurricane shelters or stuck in their cars when the storm makes landfall. Before you leave, check with neighbors to see whether they need a ride or other help.

Who should evacuate?
Local authorities and forecasters will decide which neighborhoods could be vulnerable to storm surge. Experts say it's imperative that coastal residents know which flood zone they are in so they aren't surprised by a call to evacuate. Hillsborough County residents can find out whether their home is in a flood zone at www-gis.hillsboroughcounty.org/heat. Those who live in mobile homes should evacuate for even Category 1 hurricanes.

How far do I need to evacuate?

Tens of miles, not hundreds of miles. Larry Gispert, Hillsborough County's director of emergency management, has a favorite saying during hurricane season: "Run from flood; hide from wind." Homeowners who don't live in flood zones should stay unless their homes are too old or dilapidated to safely endure the storm.

If I decide to evacuate, what should I do to prepare?

Let friends or relatives know where you're going, and give them numbers where you can be reached. If you are staying with friends or relatives, contact them before you leave to be sure they will be home.

Make plans early for your pets because most shelters won't allow them. Stock up on bottled water, nonperishable foods, flashlights and batteries, and buy a radio.

To prepare the outside of your home, attach your storm shutters or place plywood over windows, and bring in lawn furniture, trash cans or anything else the storm could turn into a high-speed projectile.

Are there any good tips for evacuating?

Be prepared and be patient. Learn the best evacuation routes. Routes off the main interstates and highways can be a lot faster during an evacuation. Write down telephone numbers of places you might go, and stay in touch with them during the trip. Bring maps in case you must take alternative routes.

What if I want to fly?

Plan early. Airlines move aircraft out of the area long before a storm makes landfall, and airports usually close well in advance of a storm.

How much should I expect to spend during an evacuation?

Michael Lindell, director of the Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center at Texas A&M University, said a recent study indicates the average household spends $262.57 per day during an evacuation. However, most of the evacuees who responded to the survey said they didn't have to spend money for lodging because they stayed with family, friends or at vacation homes.

What should I bring to a shelter?

• Pillows and blankets

• Extra clothes

• Enough cash to survive if the storm knocks out power for a few days

• A two-week supply of medication

• A battery-powered radio

• Important papers such as your insurance policy

• Any medical records you keep at home

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