Gas, Food & Shelter

Your evacuation is only as good as your fuel plan.

Before leaving:

• Fill your fuel tank completely.
• Never begin an evacuation below a full tank.
• Know your vehicle’s driving range.
• Identify fuel stations along your primary and alternate routes.
• Expect longer waits as you move away from the coast.

If your vehicle uses diesel or requires premium fuel, locate stations in advance rather than assuming they’ll be available.

For electric vehicles:

• Charge to 100% before leaving.
• Plan charging stops before departure.
• Be prepared for longer wait times at charging stations.

Evacuation traffic can turn a three-hour trip into an eight-hour journey.

Pack food that requires little or no preparation.

Good options include:

• Protein bars
• Trail mix
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Dried fruit
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Jerky

Avoid foods that spoil quickly or require refrigeration.

Remember to pack enough food for children, older adults, and anyone with dietary restrictions.

Always carry more water than you think you’ll need.

Plan for drinking, washing hands, preparing simple meals, and caring for pets.

Reusable bottles and larger containers work well for vehicle travel.

Stay hydrated, especially if your evacuation includes long periods in traffic or high temperatures.

You don’t always need to travel hundreds of miles.

The goal is to get out of the area most likely to experience dangerous conditions.

Possible shelter options include:

Family and Friends

Often the most comfortable and affordable choice.

Hotels

Reserve early whenever possible.

Look outside major evacuation corridors for better availability.

Public Shelters

Know where your local shelters are located before hurricane season.

Some shelters have limited services and may not accept pets.

Pet-Friendly Shelters

Research these before an emergency.

Do not assume every shelter allows animals.

If staying in a hotel:

• Book as early as practical.
• Confirm the reservation before arrival.
• Save the confirmation number offline.
• Check pet policies.
• Ask about generator power if extended outages are expected.

Flexibility increases your chances of finding accommodations during widespread evacuations.

Traffic, weather, and road closures may extend your travel time.

Keep your vehicle stocked with:

• Water
• Snacks
• Phone chargers
• Flashlights
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Hygiene supplies
• Extra clothing

Planning for an unexpected overnight stay is often easier than trying to find supplies during an emergency.

Power outages can affect payment systems.

Carry cash in small denominations for:

• Fuel
• Food
• Parking
• Toll roads
• Vending machines
• Small purchases

Don’t rely exclusively on credit or debit cards.

Long evacuations can be stressful.

Bring familiar comfort items such as:

For children:

• Books
• Games
• Snacks
• Blankets
• Favorite toys

For pets:

• Food
• Water
• Leashes
• Carriers
• Medications
• Vaccination records

Comfort helps everyone handle unexpected delays more calmly.

Not every evacuation follows the original itinerary.

Be prepared to:

• Change hotels.
• Take alternate routes.
• Spend an extra night away.
• Stop earlier than planned.
• Adjust your destination if weather conditions change.

Flexibility is one of the most valuable tools you can pack.

Waiting Until Fuel Is Low

Fill up early and often.

Packing Too Little Food

Traffic delays are unpredictable.

Assuming Hotels Will Be Available

Reserve accommodations before demand peaks.

Forgetting Cash

Electronic payment systems may be unavailable.

Not Planning for Pets

Know your options before you leave.

Driving Until You’re Exhausted

Fatigue increases accident risk.

Take breaks and switch drivers when possible.

Before leaving:

✔ Full fuel tank

✔ Water for every traveler

✔ Travel-friendly food

✔ Hotel or shelter plan

✔ Cash in small bills

✔ Phone chargers and power banks

✔ Prescription medications

✔ Pet supplies

✔ Weather updates checked

✔ Family notified of your destination

Complete your evacuation plan with:

• Evacuation Planning – Decide when and why to leave.
• Vehicle Readiness – Prepare your vehicle for travel.
• Evacuation Routes – Build primary and alternate routes.
• Special Needs & Medical – Plan for travelers with additional needs.
• Real-Time Maps & Alerts – Monitor changing conditions while traveling.

A successful evacuation isn’t measured by how quickly you leave—it’s measured by how safely and comfortably you arrive.

By planning for fuel, food, and shelter before the storm, you give yourself the flexibility to handle changing conditions with confidence.

Take time now to prepare your travel essentials, and you’ll spend less time worrying when it’s time to go.