What Really Goes Into Evacuating When a Storm Hits?

Do you know how much it costs to evacuate from a hurricane? Surprisingly, around 40% of Americans can't cover an emergency expense of $400. When Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Coastal Bend, evacuees spent roughly $1,200 on average. That's just for food, gas, and places to stay! If you have a car, you need to cover these costs plus wear and tear. Flying out? Add the cost of plane tickets to the mix. Some airlines were even accused of price-gouging during Florida's Hurricane Milton. Cierra Chenier, a writer and historian from New Orleans, points out that during disasters, socioeconomic gaps become even more noticeable. "It’s always those, the communities that are most vulnerable, that suffer the most," she says.

Florida has been working hard, deploying nearly 600 emergency response vehicles to help people evacuate. There are also free shuttles to shelters. However, aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may not reach everyone in time or at all. Remember Hurricane Helene, the category 4 storm that hit in September? It's not just money that's an issue; people also struggle to find places to go. Stacy Willet, an emergency management professor, explains that people are more likely to leave if they know they have a safe place to go. But what if you don't have that support network of friends and family? You might end up staying put if shelters and hotels are all full. Disabilities add another layer of complexity. If you're not able-bodied, evacuating can be extremely challenging. Not all shelters are accessible, and you might need special help moving around. "If you have a disability and you don't have an accessible place to evacuate to, that's extra difficult," says an expert. Pets are another big factor. Many shelters aren’t pet-friendly, so people end up staying behind to care for their animals. "Sometimes people stay to protect their home, to protect their animals that they can't take with them," says another expert. In rural areas, it might not just be pets but farm animals as well.

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