Plan for Evacuation

Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can.

Leave Early

                                                     The Dangers of Storm Surge

If the danger is significant, state or local government officials may issue an evacuation notice. You can do the following to be better prepared. Learn your community's evacuation plan and identify several posted routes to leave the area.

  • Evacuation routes: Check with your state's Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management website to find routes near you.
  • Emergency shelter location: To find a shelter near you, download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app. Once you determine your evacuation route and shelter location, write them down on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist, which is located at the end of this guide.
  • Make a plan for your pet. To learn more, go to ready.gov/animals.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE READY

  • Plan for your entire household including children, people with disabilities and access and functional needs, and pets.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half-full at all times. Maintain basic emergency supplies (e.g., snacks, bottled water, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables and other tools, a wool blanket, and a change of clothes) in your vehicle.
  • Pick an out-of-state contact everyone can call to check-in and report their status.
  • Know where you will meet up if you are separated and where you will stay.
  • Pack a "to go bag" including items you need to take with you if you evacuate. A "to go bag" should be easy to carry and kept in a place where you can grab it quickly.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

You can build your supplies over time by adding a few items each week or month. Gather in advance the necessary supplies and items you will need to stay safe after the hurricane passes and as you start to recover. Stock food items that do not need refrigeration and will last. Regularly replace items like water, food, medications, and batteries that go bad over time.

For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit ready.gov/prepare and then check them off your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist once you add them to your emergency kit.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

  • Make sure you have everything you'll need to get in touch with your family either through cellular phones or email.
  • MEDICAL NEEDS - Be equipped to tend to any current or unexpected medical conditions your family may have.
  • CRITICAL DOCUMENTS - Place any important documents in a waterproof container to help keep them dry and easily accessible.
  • TOOLS AND SAFETY ITEMS - Small items like matches, flashlights, a multi-purpose tool, and a whistle can make a huge difference for your family while weathering the storm.
  • FOOD/SUPPLIES - Have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your family. Remember to pack anything specific to your family's needs.
  • HYGIENE AND SANITATION - Practicing good hygiene can stop the spread of bacteria and infectious disease. 
  • PROTECTIVE GEAR - Protect yourself by packing warm clothes and blankets to prevent hypothermia. Don't forget protective footwear and gloves too.
  • COMFORT & PRICELESS ITEMS - You may be away from your home for an extended period and your property may be damaged. Grab any items that are irreplaceable or may provide comfort to your family, especially your children. Ask yourself, "What would I need for myself and my family if a hurricane struck?" Add any of these specific items to your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY AGAINST WIND AND WATER DAMAGE

Planning and preparing before a hurricane strikes can help you manage the impact of high winds and floodwaters. Take the steps outlined below to keep you and your family safe while protecting your home and property. If you are a renter, talk with your landlord or property manager about the steps you can take together to protect yourself, your family, your home, and your property. 

High winds: The best way to reduce the risk of damage to a structure from hurricane winds is to reinforce or strengthen the building including doors, windows, walls, and roofs. The best way to protect yourself is to consider either constructing a safe room that meets FEMA criteria or a storm shelter that meets ICC 500 criteria.

Wind-borne debris: Bring loose, lightweight objects (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans, and bicycles) inside; anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on buildings.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE                              SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  • Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding. 
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds.
  • Listen for emergency information and alerts.
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
  • Turn Around, Don't Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

Storm Surge

Storm surge is water from the ocean that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around a hurricane. Storm surge is fast and can produce extreme coastal and inland flooding. When hurricanes cause storm surge, over 20 feet of water can be produced and pushed towards the shore and several miles inland destroying property and endangering lives in its path.

Be Informed

  • Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

  • Water weighs about 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, so battering waves from surge can easily demolish buildings and cause massive destruction along the coast.

  • Storm surge undermines roads and foundations when it erodes material out from underneath them.

  • Just one inch of water can caus damage to your home. Homeowners and renter's insurance do not typically cover flood damage.

Prepare NOW

  • Know your area's risk of hurricanes.
  • Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
  • Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
  • Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
  • Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
  • Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Don't forget the needs of pets.
  • Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
  • When asked to evacuate, be sure to do so an do so early!

When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving

  • Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email, or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
  • Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
  • Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
  • If you have NFIP flood insurance, your policy may cover up to $1000 in loss avoidance measures, like sandbags and water pumps, to protect your insured property. You should keep copies of all receipts and a record of the time spent performing the work. They should be submitted to your insurance adjuster when you file a claim to be reimbursed.

When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving

  • Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
  • Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
  • Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.

When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving

  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving

  • If you're not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
  • Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Survive DURING

  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
  • If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
  • If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
  • Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don't Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

Be Safe AFTER

  • Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
  • Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
  • Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
  • Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

Galveston Pleasure Pier

Information on this page from ready.gov. The official website of the Department of Homeland Security. Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.