Evacuating During a Hurricane? Here's How to Plan Your Move to Safety

Article overview:

• Know when to evacuate: Understand voluntary vs. mandatory evacuation orders.
• Choose your destination early: Hotels, shelters and pet-friendly tips.
• Plan your route: Avoid flooded zones, keep maps handy and monitor closures.
• Pack a hurricane go-bag: Essentials like food, water, flashlights, documents and more.
• Prep your car: Fill gas, check fluids and tires, pack a roadside emergency kit.
• Secure your home: Board up windows, elevate valuables, turn off utilities if needed.

Hurricanes bring torrential wind and rain capable of devastating cities. Though forecast models attempt to predict their path, storms can shift at the last minute—hitting unprepared areas instead.

This happened in 2017 when Hurricane Irma was projected to impact Central Florida but veered south at the last minute, devastating Fort Myers. Because of their unpredictability, a solid hurricane evacuation plan is essential to preparedness.

Know when to evacuate

When a storm is approaching, it’s vital to know when to shelter in place and when to evacuate. Local or state emergency officials issue evacuation notices in two categories: voluntary and mandatory.

• Voluntary: Evacuation is recommended for your region or zone but is not enforced by any authorities. If you have kids, pets, mobility issues or live in a flood-prone area, it’s wise to evacuate.
• Mandatory: Evacuation is an order, not a request. In a mandatory hurricane evacuation, you are legally expected to leave because staying poses a direct threat to your life and emergency services will be unable to respond.

To understand evacuation orders and how they apply to your area, review official FEMA evacuation guidelines through their website or app. 

Choose your destination early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Early planning reduces storm stress. Confirm availability and length of stay in advance.

Hotels: Book your rooms as early as possible to reserve your spot. Don’t get on the road and hope that you’ll find a place to stay. Use AAA.com/Hotels the AAA Mobile app to find and book a hotel or motel. Look for accommodations that have flexible cancellation policies, so you’re not stuck with a reservation that you don’t use if the storm shifts.

Note: if you are evacuating with pets look for pet-friendly places that will accommodate your pets. 

Shelters

Last resort options for people who are financially unable to pay for a hotel or cannot secure a place with family or friends, is to keep a list of shelters that are managed by local and state governments or the Red Cross. If you can avoid using a shelter, consider doing so to leave room for someone who may have no other option.

Online lists of shelters:

• Florida - https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/
• North Carolina - https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/open-shelters
• Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
• South Carolina - https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/emergency-shelters/
• Tennessee - https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/tema/tennessee-shelters.html

Here are some helpful considerations when selecting your destination:

• Distance: Stay close enough to return easily once the weather clears.
• Traffic: Choose a destination that avoids major roads and congestion.
• Structure: Choose a building that can withstand intense winds.
• Pet-friendly: Not all destinations welcome pets. If you’re traveling with your furry companions, be sure to confirm in advance that the location you’re going will allow them to stay with you.

Plan your evacuation route

A good route saves time and reduces delays. To identify the best hurricane evacuation routes based on your location, be sure to use FEMA’s evacuation route resources or your local emergency management website.

• Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or specific flood zones
• Have a backup route or two in case of road closures, traffic congestion or other unexpected issues
• Bring physical and digital maps since cell service may be spotty or non-existent in some areas

Tip: Designated evacuation route highways receive priority services and support from local and state emergency personnel. 

Create a hurricane go-bag

A ready kit is a key part of any hurricane evacuation checklist. It saves time and ensures you have supplies that become scarce before a storm. Store three days of supplies in a durable, travel-ready bag or bin.

Hurricane go-bag essentials

Having a go-bag packed and ready can make evacuation faster, safer and less stressful. Keep this kit in an easy-to-reach spot so you can grab it and go if needed. Here’s what to include:

• Non-perishable foods: Bring ready-to-eat items like granola bars, canned meals and trail mix. Choose foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration.
• Water: Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day. Include extra for pets and hygiene if possible.
• Medical supplies: Stock a basic first-aid kit with essentials like Band-Aids, antiseptic, gauze and over-the-counter pain relievers plus a 7-day supply of any prescriptions.
• Chargers: Bring phone chargers and at least one portable power bank for backup in case of outages or limited access to electricity.
• Flashlights and batteries: Don’t rely on your phone for light. Pack a flashlight for each member of your group and spare batteries to keep them going.
• Important documents: Include physical copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical info and home inventory lists. Store them in a waterproof pouch if possible.
• Whistle: A whistle can be used to signal for help if you become separated or trapped.
• Clothing and hygiene items: Pack a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and other basic toiletries.
• Comfort items for kids and pets: A favorite toy, blanket, or snack can help reduce anxiety during stressful situations.

Vehicle preparation for an evacuation

If a hurricane is approaching and you're planning to evacuate, your vehicle becomes your lifeline. Gas stations may run dry, auto shops may close and roadside help could be delayed—so it’s crucial to get your car road-ready at least 48 hours before the storm hits.

Here’s how to make sure your vehicle is prepped and reliable before you go:

• Fill your gas tank early: As the storm approaches, fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations are common. Top off your tank well in advance so you’re not scrambling to find fuel when time is tight.
• Inspect tires and fluids: Check your tire pressure, tread depth and ensure your spare tire is in good shape. Top off vital fluids like oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid to avoid any preventable breakdowns while on the road.
• Check car battery: If your battery is over 3-5 years old and you’ve had any performance issues, now is the time to get it tested and if necessary, replace it.
• Pack an emergency car kit: Prepare for unexpected roadside issues by keeping a well-stocked kit in your trunk. Include jumper cables, a portable tire inflator, warning flares or reflective triangles, a basic tool kit and duct tape. Also consider adding bottled water, snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries and a first-aid kit in case of delays.

Taking time to prep your vehicle now means a smoother and safer evacuation when every minute counts.

Secure your home prior to evacuating

When an evacuation order is issued or a storm is approaching, taking a few key steps before you leave can make a big difference in protecting your home and property. Here’s how to get your house storm-ready:

• Shut off utilities if advised: Follow local emergency guidance when it comes to turning off your home’s water, gas and electricity. This can help prevent dangerous leaks, electrical fires or water damage if the power goes out or flooding occurs.
• Board up windows and doors: Use plywood or storm shutters to protect your windows and doors from high winds and flying debris. Even interior doors should be secured to minimize pressure changes in your home during the storm.
• Secure your valuables: Move important items like electronics, family keepsakes and important documents to higher ground or place them in waterproof containers. Elevating belongings can reduce the chance of loss due to flooding.
• Bring in or anchor outdoor items: Patio furniture, grills, lawn décor and even garbage cans can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Store what you can in a garage or shed and use straps or weights to secure larger items.
• Take photos for insurance purposes: Before leaving, walk through your home and take clear photos of each room, including high-value items like TVs, jewelry or appliances. These images can be incredibly helpful if you need to file a claim after the storm.
• Lithium batteries: Be sure to remove or secure any vehicles or other items that utilize lithium ion batteries (scooters, eBikes, lawn equipment, etc.) above flood waters. The saltwater from ocean flooding can cause the batteries to catch fire and possibly burn your home or car.

Stay connected: Make a communication plan

Storms can be unpredictable and so can cell service in the aftermath of severe weather. Cell towers may go down, batteries may die, or signals may be spotty at best. That’s why it’s smart to have a communication backup plan in place, especially if your group becomes separated during an evacuation.

Here are a few key steps to stay in touch when it matters most:

• Pack walkie-talkies for short-range communication: If cell service is disrupted, walkie-talkies can be a reliable backup for staying connected when traveling in separate vehicles or exploring an unfamiliar area. Be sure they’re fully charged and tested ahead of time and agree on a channel to use.
• Tell someone outside the storm area your plan: Share your evacuation route, destination and estimated arrival time with a trusted friend or family member who isn’t in the path of the storm. If you lose contact or run into trouble, they can notify emergency responders and share critical details.
• Write down important contacts: Don’t rely entirely on your phone’s memory. Keep a physical list of phone numbers for key contacts—including family, close friends, doctors and insurance providers. If your phone battery dies or you lose access, you’ll still be able to make calls from a landline or someone else’s phone.

Having a communication plan adds peace of mind, helping you and your loved ones stay connected even in uncertain conditions.

Hurricanes are unpredictable—your overall storm evacuation plan shouldn’t be. A solid emergency evacuation plan, go-bag and vehicle can make all the difference. Review it each season and update supplies. A hurricane doesn’t wait—why should you?