(WTXL) — One of the most important things to consider during a hurricane is, if and when you need to leave the area, how should you evacuate?
Not everybody should get on the road right away. There are specific zones and a procedure for getting on the road.
When it comes to storm preparation, a crucial decision that may you may need to make is whether or not you should evacuate. If you live along or near the coast, or in a manufactured home, you need to add an evacuation plan to your storm preparation.
“Make sure that they have their items around their property secured," said Zoe Mansfield, the St. Marks City Manager. "And that they do have an evacuation kit.”
Each coastal county in the state of Florida has evacuation zones and when mandatory orders are issued for your zone, you need to go.
“They’re responsible for the items around their property," said Mansfield. "Because of wind and flooding, we are in a coastal low, lying area.”
Check with your local emergency management and city government if you’re curious about if you should evacuate or not.
“The Wakulla County Emergency Management and with the assistance of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Department and Highway Patrol, they go door-to-door to make sure everybody is aware it's an evacuation,” said Mansfield.
And if you don’t live in a mobile home or evacuation zone, your best option may be to stay put and ride out the storm. It keeps the roadways clearer, helping those who need to evacuate get to where they need to go quickly. If you have to ride out the storm, know that many houses and apartment buildings are safe, as long as you’re inside away from the windows and the elements.
