Know When to Go

Hurricanes Named After Women Kill More people than those named after men. Why? People are more likely to underestimate a feminine sounding storm and disregard orders to evacuate or appropriately shelter in place. Know when to go.

Who should tell you?

A mandatory evacuation will be announced on television or radio. The person giving the order will be a public official or emergency manager. Don't rely on social media or sensationalist news outlets to give you the best information.

Just because you've "weathered" as storm before doesn't mean you should again. Don't think this time will be just like last time.

Public Health Departments and practitioners have a vital role to play in planning for and implementing evacuations. 

What should you take with you?
Ready.gov/kit has a long list of items you should consider keeping in a kit at all times. They include:

• Water (1 gallon per day per person)
• Food (at least 3 days = 6000 calories per person)
• NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags for sanitation
• Paper maps
• Cell phone with (solar) charger
• Any medications
• Clothing (weather appropriate)
• Infant, pet or medical supplies when appropriate
• Cash and important documents/identification
• Games, toys, books, puzzles or paper/pencil 

How should you leave?

Calmly, but swiftly.

If your city has designated emergency routes with signs, follow those. Otherwise, look for routes on the internet or from the officials ordering a mandatory evacuation.

If you are driving, do so cautiously. Never drive through washed out road ways. 

In the event of a mandatory evacuation, public officials will mobilize busses or other forms of mass transit.