It's essential to create a family hurricane preparedness plan before a storm threatens your area. If your plan includes evacuating to a safer location, consider these important points:

1. Don't Delay Evacuation: If you’re ordered to evacuate, leave right away. Waiting can make travel times much longer due to traffic jams.
2. Leave Early: If possible, evacuate before local officials issue an evacuation order. Starting your journey sooner can help you avoid heavy traffic.
3. Choose a Nearby Destination: You don’t need to travel far. Aim for a destination that’s close to home, ideally within the same county. This will help minimize your travel distance and reduce the chance of running into crowded shelters.
4. Expect Traffic Delays: If you decide to evacuate to another county, be ready for significant traffic. Many people will be evacuating, leading to long waits and congested roads, especially during larger storms.
5. Stay with Friends or Family: If possible, arrange to stay with a friend or relative who lives nearby and won’t be evacuating. Discuss your evacuation plan with them before hurricane season starts.
6. Book Hotels in Advance: If you plan to stay at a hotel or motel, make your reservations ahead of time. Many places fill up quickly once evacuations begin. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to find available rooms, especially in busy areas.
7. Consider Shelters as a Last Resort: If you can’t stay with friends or family and hotels are fully booked, consider going to a shelter. Keep in mind that shelters are basic and may not accept pets, so bring your disaster supply kit with you.
8. Fuel Up: Make sure to fill your car with gas before you leave. A full tank can make your evacuation smoother.

By planning ahead, you can ensure your family is prepared for a safe evacuation when needed.

FRLS' Disaster Resilience Awareness campaign is funded by a grant through the American Red Cross CAP.