Should I evacuate

[das8929]

Here a dillema. Every down here thinks the storm is not coming our way even though we're under the gun. They say hurricanes never come here. I have friends who arent even bothering boarding up. Should I evacuate in case this comes close? I live in an evac zone 3 miles from the ocean, 2 from the Intracoastal. I need everyones opinion.

[anjou]

Are you serious? Oh for heaven's sake, yes. Best to get on a plane now (cheap fares out there) or leave by Wednesday and plan to drive very far - have heard availability of rooms is light way into Georgia. And the storm may head there. If you can get a $150 one-way somewhere out of the danger zone (like, where you've got friends), I'd book now.. there really are cheap, no-advance open flights out there... and go have a long weekend with a pal or relative you haven't seen in awhile. Do beware leaving at the last minute and ending up on a highway during the storm... really need to decide VERY soon what to do... if you are in an evac zone the least you should do is plan to go inland to stay with someone in a brick or stone (not wood) building or evac center. Very dangerous storm, and unpredictable up unto the last hours... which is likely one reason why there was that problem with deaths/injuries in Punta Gorda w/Charley.

[elvinp]

I would start to process of evacuating now. Gather all those things you plan to take with you. Where are you going to stay? Shelter, friends or drive far away. If you begin to plan now, you will still have time tomorrow and probably Thursday morning before you leave. Make sure you are not evacuating to a place that could be in the path of the storm. HOWEVER, do not be one of the last to leave because you will be stuck in heavy traffic. Remember to get all the important papers to take with you. Good Luck. (By the way there is a good discussion regarding preparation on the top of the Index page here.)

[Derek Ortt]

You dont need anyone's opinion. You evacuate if ordered to by emergency management officials

[Downdraft]

Follow the directions of emergency management. If they tell you get out ....GET OUT. If they say you can stay stay. We don't need the roads clogged by people that don't have to be there but it's your choice. If you know in your heart your going anyway than pack it up now and get out of there. Every survivor of Andrew has said the same thing. Knowing what they went through they should have left when they were told to.

[das8929]

Heh thats not really an option since im only 15 and my family doesnt want to evacuate either. But its a very low chance the eye will hit here, but if we get a warning though im telling my family to get out.

[elvinp]

Please understand that you and your family don't have to be near the eye of the storm to sustain major damage to your house. Even if your home is not severely damaged, the electricity and water could be out for weeks or months. Hospitals may be damaged and relief groups may not be around for days or weeks. This hurricane may be the most dangerous storm ever to hit the Florida peninsula in the past 70 years. Hurricane Andrew was never as large as this storm. I personally saw the damage from Hurricane Camille in Mississippi in 1969. I will never forget the massive destruction, not only on the coast, but for miles and miles inland. If the government authorities say EVACUATE, DO SO QUICKLY! Good Luck.

[anjou]

This raises an interesting question - what options does someone underage have in the event of a mandatory evacuation? Can they call emergency management and say help, get me outta here, or what?