Evacuation Mandates
The mayor or county judge are authorized to call for a mandatory evacuation of the city if conditions warrant. If an evacuation is called for you must leave the area following the prescribed evacuation routes. Evacuation orders will be publicized in the local media. For this reason it is important that you stay tuned to the radio or television news anytime a hurricane threatens. Hurricanes are known to change course and intensities quickly. For your safety stay alert.

Home Advisories
Remember that it can truly be a matter of life and death. If staying in a home, adhere to the following recommendations:

• Only stay in a home if you have not been ordered to leave.
• Stay inside a well-constructed building. In structures, such as a home, examine the building and plan in advance what you will do if winds become strong. Strong winds can produce deadly missiles and structural failure.
• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.

Wind Advisories
If winds become strong, make sure to adhere to the following:

• Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
• If you are in a 2-story house, go to an interior 1st-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.
• If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.