Know Your Risk

Look up your evacuation zoneYou may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Your county or state emergency management site will have the official zone map — don't guess based on how far you are from the beach.
Check whether you're in a storm surge or flood-prone areaZones are based on surge risk, not just distance from water, so even some inland spots flood badly.
Note any extra risks at home if mobile or manufactured homeIf you're in a mobile, manufactured, or trailer home, plan to leave for any hurricane warning no matter what zone you're in: mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles are not safe in high wind events, so plan ahead by preparing to evacuate to a safe location.

Decide Where You'll Go and How

Map at least two routes out of your areaHave a backup in case your main road floods or jams with traffic.
Pick an actual destination, not just "somewhere inland"A relative's place, a hotel, or a public shelter as a last resort — stay with friends, relatives or at an inland hotel or, as a last resort, go to a designated public shelter outside of the flood zone.
Arrange transport if you don't drive if no personal vehicleLine this up now, not during a watch: if you don't own a car, consider making plans with friends or family or call authorities to get a ride if you need to evacuate.
Confirm pet-friendly options along your route if has petsMost shelters won't take animals, so if you have pets, confirm pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance.
Register for help if you or someone in your household needs it if household member needs assistanceIf anyone has a disability, medical equipment, or needs transportation assistance, get on your area's registry now; some counties ask you to call 2-1-1 to sign up.

Agree on an out-of-area contactPick one person everyone calls or texts to check in — local lines get jammed, but out-of-state calls often go through.
Write the plan down and give everyone a copyMake sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the routes, destination, and contact numbers — don't rely on everyone remembering it.
Talk through everyone's specific needs if household member has specific needsThink through medical needs including prescriptions and equipment and dietary or language needs so the plan actually fits your household, not a generic one.

Check your flood insurance nowStandard NFIP flood policies take 30 days to kick in, so if you're not in the middle of a home closing, you're likely waiting a whole month — buying once a storm is forecast is already too late.
Gather key documents and back them upInsurance policies, ID, medical records, and a home inventory — save digital backups of insurance policies, deeds, birth certificates and other important documents. Keep originals in a waterproof bag.
Set aside some cashATMs and card readers may not work if power's out along your route.

Pack a 3-day go-bag per personWater, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a battery or hand-crank radio are the core of it, per the Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you, including backup batteries and chargers for your devices.
Pack at least a week of medicationPharmacies may be closed for days after a storm, so go beyond the bare minimum if your supply allows.
Keep your car's gas tank above half full all seasonStations run out or lose power fast once an evacuation is called — keep vehicle gas tank above half-full during hurricane season (June–November).

Walk your evacuation route once with the householdA dry run makes the real thing far less chaotic, especially with kids or older relatives.
Share the plan with your out-of-area contactShare your evacuation plan with out-of-area family contact so someone outside the storm's path knows where you'll be headed.