Reply #6: Evacuation needs to be selective.

[Silverhair]

Houston, even if Rita had stayed a CAT 5, and had hit Houston directly, did not need total evacuation. If you are 30 feet above normal high tide level, then you don't have to worry about storm surge. Flooding from massive rain is the next problem. It is easy to know what areas are in danger of flood, and which aren't.

After that the concern is if the building is vulnerable to damage from trees being blown over, and the ability of the structure to withstand the winds. Locally strong buildings (Usually there are lots of those around) should be designated as shelters. Evacuate to those (Short trip of a few blocks)and ride out the storm there.

Before leaving, fill lots of containers with water. Fill bathtub with water. At beginning of hurricane season, check hurricane supplies box.

New Orleans and Galveston are special cases due to their locations. Some other cities may have similar problems.

With those exceptions - evacuation can be done to a local shelter, instead of hundreds of miles away.