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If You Go: Your Evacuation Priorities

Once both options have been carefully considered and if an official order has been issued to vacate the area, the Florida Division of Emergency Management suggests you follow the below priority list when evacuating your home.

1. Leave the Area: The best place to be when danger strikes is away from it. Using the evacuation route guide in your Family Disaster Planning tool, decide on one of the several predetermined safe locations such as a shelter or a family member's home that is outside of the evacuation area or away from the disaster zone. If you are going to someone else's home, choose the one that is least likely to be evacuated (based on flooding, wind damage, etc.). For individuals with mobility limitations, be sure you have a back-up plan in case an elevator is not operating.

2. Go to a Secure Location: The best place to shelter is outside the impact area with your family or friends. With this in mind, your disaster plan should ultimately include information on where you would go and how you will get there if disaster strikes.

To ensure your needs can be met at whichever shelter you include in your evacuation route, it is imperative that you contact your local emergency management office to find out the best emergency accommodations for your unique situation.

Go Back to "Evacuations and Shelters."

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