If your local authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation, do not hesitate to leave. The sooner you leave, the safer you will be. It might even be wise to leave before the order, if you can sense it coming.

Pack up the essentials, but don’t spend more than a couple of hours deciding what to take.

Move as far inland and as far north as you can. Hotels will be crowded, so plan to make many calls for availability. Even better — stay with friends or relatives if you can.

You can go to a shelter as a last resort; they will be crowded and uncomfortable and should be used only by people who have nowhere else to go. You will probably not be able to bring your pets. You should take your emergency kit with you to the shelter. Don’t assume the shelter will be able to provide anything more than a safe place to sleep.