Your Ultimate Hurricane Escape Plan: How to Stay Safe Before the Storm Hits
Hurricane season is almost here, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from past storms—early planning saves lives. Whether you live in a coastal zone or an inland area prone to flooding, taking action now can make all the difference later.
Oak Creek Homes proudly partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to bring you accurate, timely hurricane safety information. This guide will walk you through everything you need to prepare, from understanding evacuation orders to packing a life-saving go-bag.
Why a Hurricane Escape Plan Matters More Than Ever
When a hurricane approaches, there is no time for indecision. Roads clog, supplies vanish, and panic sets in. That’s why a clear, proactive escape plan is your first line of defense.
Here’s why it’s so critical:
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Roads flood quickly. Evacuating early helps you avoid dangerous traffic jams and road closures.
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Resources disappear fast. Gas stations close, grocery stores run out of essentials, and shelters fill up.
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Loved ones depend on you. Your plan ensures that your family, neighbors, and pets aren’t left behind.
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Peace of mind. Having a plan helps you stay focused and calm when chaos hits.
Know Your Evacuation Zone
The first step in hurricane prep? Know whether you’re in a mandatory evacuation zone. You can find your zone by checking local emergency management websites or visiting NOAA’s Evacuation Zone Lookup.
If an evacuation is ordered, go immediately. Don’t second-guess it. Even if a mandatory order hasn’t been issued yet, you should still leave early if you feel unsafe.
Prepare Early to Beat the Rush
Once a hurricane watch or warning is issued, you may only have hours to get out safely. Here’s what you should do well before the storm arrives:
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Fully charge phones, power banks, and radios.
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Keep your gas tank full and get extra fuel if possible.
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Withdraw some cash in case ATMs and card readers go offline.
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Remove or secure outdoor items like grills, patio furniture, and garden tools.
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Shut off utilities (gas, propane, electricity) if instructed by local authorities.
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Board windows or install storm shutters if you can do so safely.
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Plan for your pets—they can’t be left behind.
Your Go-Bag: Don’t Leave Without It
If you’re forced to evacuate, a well-stocked go-bag can be your lifeline. Store these essentials in a durable backpack or duffel that you can grab and go:
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First aid kit
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Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
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Important documents (ID, insurance, medical records, property deeds)
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Non-perishable food and snacks
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Bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)
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Flashlights and extra batteries
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Phone chargers and portable battery packs
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Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
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NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio
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Pet food, leashes, and carriers
Don’t forget comfort items for children, like stuffed animals or games.
Stay Connected with NOAA Alerts
Stay informed in real-time by downloading the NOAA Weather App or tuning in with a NOAA Weather Radio. This ensures you’ll get updates even if the power or internet goes out.
Visit NOAA.gov for up-to-date forecasts, warnings, and safety tips.
Let Friends and Family Know Your Plan
When a hurricane is coming, don’t assume people know your whereabouts. Share your evacuation plan with relatives, neighbors, and close friends. Let them know:
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When you’re leaving
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Where you’re going
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How they can reach you
Designate an out-of-town emergency contact that everyone in your household can check in with.
Think About Your Pets
Your hurricane escape plan isn’t complete if it doesn’t include your pets. Make sure they are microchipped and that their ID tags are updated. Prepare a pet emergency kit with:
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Food and water
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Collars and leashes
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Medications
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Pet carrier
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Waste bags and litter box
Never leave your pets behind during an evacuation. Many shelters and hotels now accommodate pets during disasters.
Protecting Your Property Before You Leave
You may not be able to stop a storm, but you can minimize damage to your home. Take these pre-storm precautions:
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Clear gutters and downspouts
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Trim tree branches
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Secure windows and doors
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Move valuables to higher ground
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Photograph your home for insurance purposes
If you live in a manufactured or modular home, make sure your tie-down systems and skirting are up to date, and follow local emergency officials’ advice regarding evacuation.
Important Disclaimer About Storm Safety
At Oak Creek Homes, we build strong, modern manufactured homes—but no structure is guaranteed to withstand a hurricane’s full force. That’s why we want to be very clear:
We do NOT recommend staying in an Oak Creek Home—or any home—during a storm with high winds, flooding, or heavy rains. Always follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
Our commitment is to your safety first and foremost.
Oak Creek Homes: Built for Peace of Mind
While no home can be considered storm-proof, Oak Creek’s Weather-Ready Homes are built to meet or exceed HUD wind zone requirements. Many models include:
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Enhanced tie-down systems
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Impact-resistant windows
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Upgraded insulation and roofing systems
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Elevated designs for better water runoff
To learn more about our hurricane-conscious designs, visit our Weather-Ready Homes page.
FAQs About Hurricane Safety and Oak Creek Homes
Q: Are Oak Creek Homes safe during a hurricane?
A: Like all homes, manufactured homes are vulnerable to extreme weather. That’s why we recommend evacuating when local officials advise, even if you live in a well-built Oak Creek Home.
Q: Can I shelter in place if the hurricane is only a Category 1?
A: No. Even Category 1 storms can cause flooding, flying debris, and power outages. It’s always safer to evacuate early.
Q: Does Oak Creek offer resources for storm prep?
A: Yes! Visit our blog and contact us for helpful checklists and preparedness guides.
Q: Where can I track hurricane alerts and evacuation zones?
A: Head to NOAA’s official site or your local emergency management site.
Download Your Hurricane Checklist or Visit a Weather-Ready Model Home
Looking for an easy way to stay prepared? Download our free, printable Hurricane Escape Plan Checklist—a simple guide to keep your evacuation plan organized and ready to go when you need it most.
And if you’re planning to buy a home, this is the perfect time to explore the benefits of a Weather-Ready Home. Visit one of our model home centers and discover how Oak Creek builds with strength, durability, and storm-smart design.
Stop by or contact us today to schedule a personal home tour. Preparedness starts with a strong plan—and a stronger home.
Contact us
Proud to Be a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence
At Oak Creek Homes, we take weather preparedness seriously. We’re honored to be recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence—a distinction awarded to organizations committed to building safer, more resilient communities.
As part of our commitment:
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We help educate homeowners about severe weather risks
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We share trusted resources from NOAA to support storm readiness
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We design homes with weather-resilient features that help protect families across the Gulf Coast and beyond
Our homes are engineered to help you face storms with confidence. From smart construction materials to thoughtful planning, Oak Creek Homes is proud to lead by example in hurricane-prone regions.
Explore our Weather-Ready Homes at oakcreekhomes.com.
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