THE ESSENTIAL ACTION
Evacuate when local officials instruct you to. Do not use the storm category as your only risk measure.
Before: make the plan
- Learn your storm-surge and flood exposure. Choose a destination outside the evacuation area.
- Prepare shutters or other locally recommended protection well before winds arrive.
- Plan transport, fuel, documents, pets, and essential medical supplies.
During: protect people
- If ordered to leave, use the recommended route. If sheltering, stay away from windows in a suitable interior space.
- Do not go outside during a calm eye; dangerous winds can return.
- Follow official rainfall, surge, and flood warnings, including after landfall.
After: recover carefully
- Wait for permission to return. Avoid floodwater, unstable buildings, and downed wires.
- Use safe backup power and keep fuel-burning equipment outdoors.
Published by the Beforetheoutage.com editorial desk.
Read the official guidance
Source links included 3 October 2026. Guidance must be adapted to your country, building, and personal circumstances.
