EVACUATION
TIPS 
A HURRICANE WATCH issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This WATCH should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated. Especially, those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat and leaving a barrier island.
A HURRICANE WARNING issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this WARNING has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm
EVACUATING DURING A HURRICANE:
- Stay alert to storm advisories by using your NOAA weather radio.
- Enact your family disaster plan.
- Map out your route. Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Do not get on the road without a place to go.
- Fill your car with gasoline.
- Enact your pet plan. Before a storm threatens, contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.
- Bring your disaster supply kit. Make sure you include important documents. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days. Bring flashlights for emergency lightning, since it's likely that there will be power outages and most places will be running on backup power.
- Secure your home before leaving. Board up windows and glass doors, anchor loose objects or bring them inside and lock your doors.
- Have some cash handy. Following a hurricane, banks and ATMs may be temporarily closed.
- Notify your family and friends of your plans.
WHEN EVACUATING:
- If possible, evacuate to the home of either friends or family in a non-vulnerable area within your county or parish.
- Next, try a hotel.
- As a last result, go to a
public shelter.
- Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort and do not usually accept pets.
