How Do I Know If I Need to Evacuate for a Hurricane?

If you’re wondering whether to evacuate before a hurricane, start here: if local officials tell you to go – go.

Florida evacuation orders are issued to protect lives, not property, and they’re based on years of storm surge modeling and risk data. But even if you don’t get an official order, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re safe to stay.

Every storm is different, and every home has different vulnerabilities. Maybe you’re outside a storm surge zone but live in a mobile home. Maybe you’re in Zone C but your street floods during heavy rain. Or maybe you’re just nervous, and that’s valid too.

In the sections below, we’ll break down:

• What Florida’s evacuation zones mean (A, B, C, etc.)
• How evacuation orders are issued
• When you should leave even if you’re not technically told to
• How to weigh your personal risk and make a clear decision

You deserve to feel confident, not confused, when it’s time to act.

What Exactly Triggers an Evacuation Order in Florida?

Florida evacuation orders are based on one main threat: storm surge – the fast-rising, forceful seawater pushed inland by a hurricane. It’s not just about wind speed or rainfall. If your area is likely to flood quickly and deeply, officials may tell you to leave, even days before landfall.

These decisions aren’t guesses. Counties use specialized storm surge modeling from the National Hurricane Center, combined with real-time forecasts, to decide who’s at greatest risk.

You’re most likely to be ordered to evacuate if:

• You live in Zone A, B, or C (zones ranked by storm surge risk)
• You’re in a mobile or manufactured home, regardless of zone
• You live on a barrier island or coastal area
• Your location has a history of severe flooding

Evacuation orders are issued by your county’s emergency management director, not the governor or FEMA. That means one part of Florida might be told to leave while another rides it out, even during the same storm.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last second. If you’re under an evacuation order, act early. Roads clog fast, gas runs out, and shelters may fill.

Evacuation isn’t about fear, it’s about math, elevation, and your home’s ability to withstand water and pressure.

If I’m Not in a Zone, Do I Still Need to Evacuate?

Yes, even if you’re not in an evacuation zone, you may still need to leave, depending on your home’s safety and your personal situation.

Evacuation zones are based on storm surge, not every possible danger a hurricane brings. So, if you’re outside the surge risk area but live in a mobile home, flood-prone neighborhood, or older structure, it still may be unsafe to stay.

The truth is that not all risks show up on a zone map:

• High winds can still knock out power, roads, and roofs far inland.
• Heavy rain can flood streets and overwhelm drainage even in “low-risk” areas.
• Mobile and manufactured homes are rarely safe in hurricane conditions, regardless of zone.

Local officials often say: “If you don’t feel safe, go.” You don’t need to wait for an official order to make the right call for your family.

It’s OK to evacuate even if no one else on your block is. You won’t regret being overprepared, but you might regret being stuck without options.

Should I Evacuate If I Live in a Mobile Home or Low-Lying Area?

Yes, if you live in a mobile or manufactured home, or in a low-lying area prone to flooding, you should plan to evacuate during a hurricane, even if no official order is given.

These homes, while affordable and common across Florida, simply aren’t built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Even with tie-downs or reinforcements, they’re vulnerable to structural failure, flying debris, and rapid water intrusion. The Florida Division of Emergency Management specifically recommends that all mobile home residents evacuate when any hurricane threatens, regardless of zone.

The same goes for homes at or below sea level, or in neighborhoods with a history of street flooding during heavy rain. Hurricanes don’t just bring wind, they bring storm surge, blocked drainage systems, and multi-day rain events that can quickly overwhelm low ground.

Ask yourself:

• Does my street flood during summer storms?
• Am I surrounded by water, ditches, or canals?
• Is my foundation raised or barely a step above the grass?

If you’re unsure how vulnerable your property is, ask a local contractor or emergency official. Don’t rely on guesswork and don’t assume your past experience will predict the next storm.

Evacuating from a vulnerable structure isn’t overreacting. It’s what safety looks like in a state where water rises fast, and warnings don’t always come in time.

What If I’m Still Unsure – Should I Stay or Go?

If you’re unsure, go. When it comes to hurricanes, it’s safer to act early than to wait and hope.

Hesitation is normal. Maybe the last storm missed you. Maybe your house “did fine” during storms like Irma or Ian. Maybe you’re watching neighbors stay put. But the truth is: storms are unpredictable, and your safety shouldn’t depend on luck.

Here’s a better way to think about it:

• Would you feel confident staying if power is out for 5 days?
• Can your home handle flying debris and potential floodwater?
• Do you have a safe room with no windows, above the flood line?

If the answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” you’re not weak or paranoid for leaving, you’re smart. The cost of going early is an inconvenience. The cost of waiting too long could be life-threatening.

Pro Tip: Leaving early gives you better hotel options, emptier roads, and time to secure your home calmly, not in a rush.

Remember, evacuation isn’t a failure. It’s what Floridians plan for, year after year – because storms don’t reward guesswork.

Want Help Understanding Your Risk and Protecting Your Home?

Whether you evacuate or stay put, one thing is clear: your home needs real protection. And that starts with understanding your unique risks – not just from wind, but from flying debris, water intrusion, and power loss.

At Storm Smart, we’ve helped thousands of Florida homeowners prepare for what hurricanes actually do to homes – not just what the forecast says.

We offer:

• Storm Catcher® Screens that are wind abatement and protect from flying debris while reducing internal pressure
• Impact-rated windows and doors tested for Florida’s toughest building codes
• Aluminum Roll Down shutters for fast, strong protection when time is short

You don’t need to guess what’s right for your zone, your home, or your peace of mind.

What’s Next?

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Or call us at (888) 546-5708 to speak with a Storm Smart product specialist

We’ll help you:

• Understand your evacuation zone
• Identify the weak spots in your home’s storm defense
• Choose the right protection, without pressure or confusion

Because when the next storm comes, you shouldn’t be asking, “Should I go”. You should be saying, “We’re ready, no matter what.”

Storms don’t wait, and evacuation orders come fast. The countdown helps you take action now, before roads jam, supplies run low, or safety becomes a gamble.