Responding to a Hurricane

When a hurricane moves into your area, being prepared is key so is responding to this national event. One thing you may be faced with is deciding whether to stay in your home or evacuate.

If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, grab your  "go bag" and leave immediately. If you are not in a mandatory evacuation zone, you may still decide to leave the area, you may need to move to higher ground, or you may choose to stay in your home. If you decide to stay home, remember that even if the high winds and floodwaters do not reach your home, you may lose power and water, and you may not be able to leave your home for several days if the roads are impassable.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA WHERE AUTHORITIES ADVISE OR ORDER YOU TO EVACUATE:
TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY TO EVACUATE!

1. Grab your "go bag" and leave immediately
2. Follow posted evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked
3. Stick to designated evacuation routes

For localized information:

1. Evacuation routes: Check with your state’s Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management website to find routes near you
2. Emergency shelter location: To find a shelter near you, check the
   FEMA mobile app

Don’t forget: Write down your evacuation route and shelter information on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA WITHOUT AN EVACUATION NOTICE:

1. If you are in an area that is flooding (e.g., on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway), move to a location on higher ground before floodwaters reach you
2. Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. If you are in a temporary structure, safely move to a sturdy building and go to a windowless room on the lowest level that is not likely to flood
3. Never use a generator, gasoline-powered equipment, and tools, grill, camp stove, or charcoal-burning device inside or in any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outside and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents