Florida’s hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak season typically being in September. If a hurricane warning is issued for your area then you should stay alert for updates, especially evacuation orders. Local authorities can give evacuation orders depending on the potential of the approaching storm. These orders may be scary and make you feel unsafe or like you are uprooting your family. But they are critical as they are given with the goal to save lives. Evacuations are ordered to protect residents in vulnerable areas from the potential life-threatening destruction of an approaching hurricane.
Understanding Why Evacuation Orders are Given
Evacuation orders are given as a result of an approaching hurricane. Hurricane wind can cause widespread damage. However, the reason for the evacuation orders are typically due to the threat of storm surge or flooding. Storm surge is generally the leading cause of casualties during a hurricane. In addition, hurricanes can also cause tornadoes, which can cultivate the right conditions for storm surges, severe floods, and damaging high-speed winds.
And while a hurricane’s eye often have a path when they land, their side effects can be felt for miles. They can cause severe runoff storms in other close areas. So, even if you’ve evacuated a hurricane zone, you may still feel the effects.
How to Prepare for an Evacuation if it Happens
If you live in an evacuation zone you should prepare your family for what to do if you receive evacuation orders. Regardless of the time of year, running hurricane drills with your household before hurricane season is a good idea. It ensures that everyone is ready for a potential evacuation. This includes planning multiple evacuation routes, knowing where your local shelters are (and knowing where to look to see which ones are open), and having backpacks of essential emergency supplies and a list of emergency contacts.
Why it is Important to Follow Evacuation Orders
Evacuation orders are meant to be protective, but some people choose to stay for numerous reasons. While it is understandable to not want to leave your home this may be extremely dangerous. It also places additional strain on emergency responders if they are required to execute recovery efforts.
When an evacuation order comes through, it’s imperative to be alert and follow the orders, if possible. Not all evacuation orders will be ideal, but they truly are for your safety. Hurricanes are powerful and dangerous acts of nature, and hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost because of their damage, destruction, and intensity. Staying behind can put your life at risk.
Read on for more information about evacuations, possible shelter options, and how to prioritize your safety by preparing for an impending hurricane.
Sheltering in Place: When Evacuation Isn’t Possible
Although experts follow hurricanes in advance they can leave little time if you do not act quickly. Some hurricanes are fast-moving and sometimes make landfall before a predicted date and time. Other times, you may not be able to leave before conditions get too bad. For example, officials will close bridges and other roadways once hurricane speeds or conditions reach a certain point.
In these cases (and others), evacuation may not be possible even if evacuation orders are issued. You may be forced to shelter in place. Sheltering in place means staying in your home or in someone else’s home. It is important to know that if you cannot evacuate you should shelter in a safe environment. For instance, if your home is located near the ocean or water body and is vulnerable to storm surge and flooding it is not ideal. You should try to find a location outside of the evacuation zone that is a safe environment. This could be at a friend or family’s home.
Tips for sheltering in place
If absolutely left with no other options then you can follow some of the tips below to stay as safe as possible.
- The best places to shelter are small, interior rooms that do not have windows and protected from flying debris and flood waters, such as a bathroom, pantry, or closet. The room should be low-level away from high winds, but you should move to the highest level of the building if a severe flood is imminent.
- Avoid windowless attics to prevent getting trapped by flood waters.
- Use battery operated lights or lamps. Candles and torches can cause fires if they are knocked over. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
- Ensure you have a clear path to an exit, or ideally multiple exits in case you have to exit the property. Ensure there is an exit is the main point.
Designate and plan a safe space ahead of a hurricane, and pack bags of emergency supplies to last each person for three days. Your essential hurricane supply kit should include bottled water, non-perishable snacks, warm blankets, first-aid kits, necessary medications, and important documents (in a sealed, waterproof bag). Remember to bring medical supplies for all individuals, and don’t forget diapers, formula (or powdered milk), bottles, and small toys for babies.
Public Shelters: When Home Isn’t Safe
Florida shelters are crucial refuges for individuals and their families when home isn’t a safe option. Public schools and community centers are often turned into public shelters, making it easier for people to withstand the dangers of a hurricane. Equipped with necessities, public shelters are determined ahead of hurricane seasons.
Find a shelter near you by checking your Florida County’s website for the list of open shelters. Alternatively, you can sign up for your county’s alert app, such as Collier 311 or Sarasota 311. You can also text SHELTER to 43362 or checking the American Red Cross for a map of open hurricane shelters in your county.
You should know that not all shelters may be open for every storm. Each county will generally determine which shelters are safe for a specific storm given the risks. It is important to check which shelters are open before going to one. At the very least have a list of backups. You do not want any surprises.
Some shelters are pet-friendly (but rules apply), and disabled individuals are encouraged to call ahead to schedule medical support in available shelters. Please note that you are responsible for pets and loved ones in a public shelter. While water and food are often provided, it’s your job to ensure the safety of your group, keeping them indoors and away from danger. It’s up to you to dole out medications, provide warmth, and strive to keep kids calm during the storm. Hurricanes are stressful for everyone, so do your part to make it easier.
You can locate your local shelters in Southwest Florida using the links below:
- Find Your Lee County Hurricane Shelters
- Knowing Your Emergency Shelters in Sarasota County Florida
- Collier County Hurricane Shelter Information
Safety Tips for Mobile Home and RV Owners as well as Apartment Dwellers
Mobile homes and RVs become extremely vulnerable in hurricanes. They are easily damaged and destroyed. In turn, evacuation is imperative for the safety and survival of individuals living in these properties.
If you live in a mobile home or RV you should follow all evacuation orders in order to ensure your safety.
While people should seek shelter in more secure locations, you can strengthen your mobile home or RV before you go in order to reduce the damage potential as much as possible.
- Anchor your mobile home or RV to the ground, inspecting and reinforcing seals and entry points to prevent water damage.
- Secure or remove outdoor furniture.
- Take personal belongings with you and secure loose items, like couches or chairs, that could become projectiles.
Find out more details in our guide covering Hurricane Shutters for Mobile Homes Wind Storm Safety.
Apartment dwellers can shelter in place for low-level hurricanes; however, they must get to a windowless interior room, preferably on the lowest level of their apartment building or an interior area of the apartment. Prepare an emergency bag, including water, food, medications, extra clothing, a flashlight, and a USB power bank to charge your devices.
Before a hurricane, talk to apartment owners about reinforcing windows and doors with covers and shutters. If your landlord does not have hurricane protection installed you can request they install it to better protect their property and tenants. You can suggest Eurex Shutters for help with hurricane protection and reinforcements!
Protecting Pets While Sheltering
It should go without saying, but never leave pets outdoors during a hurricane.
Whether choosing to shelter in place or evacuate your pets must also be prepared. Your pets should have water and food to last for at least one week. If you are going to a pet-friendly shelter you will need to take their tags, leash, and a carrier or crate, along with their supplies. You can soothe anxieties with familiar, comforting items, like toys or their blanket. Additionally, create an emergency kit of pet-related documents, including updated ID tags, vet information, and sanitation bags for stops along the evacuation route (and at the shelter).
If you are you staying home ensure you have puppy pads or a small litter box with a scoop and waste bin in your shelter location.
Are you planning on going to a public shelter? Call ahead or check your local shelter list to ensure which shelters are pet-friendly and what the requirements/rules are. Bring sufficient water, food, a leash, a carrier, and emergency documents. At the shelter you are in complete charge of your pets, so act responsibly.
You can learn more in our guide on Hurricane Prep for Pet Owners: Prepping our Furry Friends.
In Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Over Comfort
While Floridians are used to the threat of hurricanes, taking the potential danger seriously is essential. Evacuation orders are given when local officials forecast great danger to specific areas. Following these orders when advised can save your life. And adhering to local official rules is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Not every evacuation situation will be optimally comfortable or familiar. However, you should prioritize safety over comfort. It’s a sacrifice for your well-being.
For more information about hurricane preparedness, especially for your home’s protection, you can read our blog. For recommendations and a free estimate for hurricane shutters or impact windows and doors please contact Eurex Shutters below!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
