Before the Event
(Also See Shelters and Transportation)
Top Tips
- Hurricane evacuations are ordered by the County Administrator to protect coastal residents from the dangerous storm surge.
- There are two evacuation plans – A and B. The type of evacuation ordered will be based upon the severity of the storm.
- Listen to local radio and television stations for shelter openings. Shelters open approximately 4 hours after an evacuation is ordered.
- If you evacuate outside Broward County leave early, while the weather is still nice. Roadways may be jammed. Avoid routes along the seashore, lakes and canals.
- If you are NOT told to evacuate, it does not mean you are safe in your home. While the sea may not flood your home, hurricane winds can be very destructive.
- For a list of items you should take with you to a Red Cross Evacuation Shelter, see the "Shelter" section of this document.
EVACUATION PLAN A - for Hurricane Category 1 or 2
Typical Storm Conditions and Evacuation Criteria
- Storm surge is 4-7 feet above sea level with winds from 74-110 miles per hour.
- All mobile home residents, residents beside tidal bodies of water and in low-lying areas, and residents east of the Intracoastal Waterway should evacuate.
EVACUATION PLAN B - for Hurricane 3 or higher
Typical Storm Conditions and Evacuation Criteria
- Storm surge is 7-11 feet above sea level with winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
- In addition to those required to evacuate under Plan A, all residents east of U.S. 1 (Federal Highway) should evacuate.
Updated May 2012