As many as half of all Americans live in areas at risk for hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather, according to the National Weather Service.
In the Southeast, where hurricanes are a particular threat, only about 60 percent of residents have a written evacuation plan, according to a survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
That’s a problem, because evacuating during a major storm can be chaotic and dangerous.
“An evacuation is one of the most stressful things that a family or individual can go through,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA’s administrator from 2009 to 2017.
“You have to have a plan. You have to think about it ahead of time. The worst time to be making these decisions is when the storm is bearing down on you.”
Fugate said people should choose an evacuation destination that is outside the projected path of the storm and make sure everyone in the family knows the plan.
They should also have a backup destination in case the first one is unavailable.
“You need to have a plan B, C and D,” he said.
“You need to know multiple routes to get out of town.”
People should also have a “go bag” ready with essential items like medications, cash, copies of important documents and a change of clothes.
“You need to be able to walk out the door with what you can carry,” Fugate said.
Planning ahead is especially important for people with disabilities and others who might need assistance during an evacuation.
People who live in high-rise buildings should also have a plan, because they might not be able to use the elevator during a power outage.
“You need to know how you’re going to get down 20 flights of stairs,” Fugate said.
Once you’ve evacuated, stay tuned to local news for instructions from authorities.
“Don’t go back until they say it’s safe,” Fugate said. “I can’t tell you how many people we rescue who went back too soon.”