What You Need to Know
Hurricane evacuations are ordered by the County Administrator to protect coastal residents from the dangerous storm surge. Broward County has two types of evacuation plans. The type of evacuation ordered will be based upon the severity of the storm.
EVACUATION PLAN A - for Hurricane Category 1 or 2
- 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
- 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.
What You Should Do
Check the Evacuation Map to determine if you are in an Evacuation Zone. 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.
If you plan on evacuating to a shelter, listen to local radio and television stations for shelter openings, or call the Broward County Emergency Hotline at 311 (954-831-4000). Shelters open approximately four hours after an evacuation is ordered. For a list of items you should take with you to a General Population Shelter, view the Emergency Checklist.
If you evacuate outside Broward County:
- Plan your evacuation route and make necessary hotel reservations in advance. Avoid routes along the seashore, lakes and canals.
- Get gas at least one or two days before an approaching storm. As the storm gets closer, lines at the gas station will get longer.
- Gather your important papers, including homeowner’s and car insurance documents.
- Leave early, while the weather is still nice.
- Make sure the vehicle you plan to take is in good mechanical condition. Keep oil changes up to date and make sure the fluid levels are topped off. Check your tires, as excessively worn tires could make driving conditions even more treacherous.
- Have cash on you when you travel.
- Be aware that Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) may announce Emergency Shoulder Use to increase traffic capacity during hurricane evacuations.
Returning Home
If you are attempting to return to an area impacted by an emergency, listen to media reports for information that lets you know that roads are passable and that it is safe to return. If Broward County experiences high winds or a storm surge, bridge re-openings may be delayed while the Florida Department of Transportation or the Army Corps of Engineers (depending on bridge location) conducts a mandatory structural survey to determine safety of the bridges.
