Hurricane evacuations: Know when and where to go by zones, ZIP codes

HOUSTON — Hurricane Laura could bring a dangerous storm surge along our coastal counties and some mandatory evacuation orders have already been issued. 

There are also voluntary evacuation advisories for other cities and counties, including coastal areas of Galveston and Harris counties.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council has evacuation zones broken down by zones and ZIP codes. If an evacuation is called for, you need to to know where to go.

The map is divided by A,B and C. If you live in a ZIP code that needs to evacuate, follow the suggested route out to spread out the traffic.

Listen regularly to KHOU 11 News and follow KHOU.com online, our app and social media when there is a tropical threat in the Gulf.

Because it takes time to evacuate heavily populated areas, evacuations may be recommended well before the storm makes landfall.

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• People who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas or on barrier islands should evacuate when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches. Tropical storms and hurricanes often produce heightened seas and tides that may affect these areas long before the storm makes landfall.
• People who live mobile homes near the coast, or are concerned about the structural stability of their home, should plan to evacuate any time a storm threatens. Even less powerful hurricanes can produce high winds capable of damaging or destroying mobile homes.

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• People towing boats or trailers or driving recreational vehicles or other high-profile vehicles should leave early. Some roads and bridges may be closed to high-profile vehicles before they are closed to cars due to high winds.
• People traveling with young children, elderly family members, or people with special needs. If you wait to leave until a general evacuation is recommended, traffic will be heavier and the weather may be worse, lengthening the time you will have to spend in your car getting to your destination.
• People living in cities, counties or ZIP codes advised by local leaders to evacuate.

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Preferably make arrangements with your family members, friends, or neighbors to assist you before you need to evacuate. Most people will be glad to help if they know you need assistance.

If you do not have friends or family to assist you, listen to your radio or TV for information on provisions being made to assist those who need assistance in evacuating. If needed, Red Cross shelters will be set up.

If necessary, contact your local emergency management office to let them know who you are, where you live and what kind of help you need. Do not wait until the last minute to call for assistance or local authorities may be unable to assist you.

Seniors and disabled people who need help evacuating from Houston, can call 211.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, call 911.

• License or Identification card with photo
• Your medications, extra eye glasses, hearing aids and other essential items
• cell phone charger(s)
• A flashlights with extra batteries, if you don t already have one in your car
• A battery-operated portable radio, if you don t have a car radio
• Water or other beverages to drink on your trip
• Non-perishable foods to eat on your trip
• Spare clothes and shoes
• Wipes, dry shampoo, and other toiletries
• Important papers, including insurance, deeds and wills
• Contact numbers of friends, family members, physicians and your insurance agent
• Money, checks, travelers checks or credit cards
• An inventory of your personal belongings and any photographs or videotapes of your possessions
• masks and hand sanitizer
• bedding

Public shelters are austere facilities that provide temporary housing for evacuees. Most shelters do not have beds or cots, so you will probably be sleeping on the floor. So pack as if you were going camping.

You should bring:

• Pets, carriers and pet food
• Sleeping pads or air mattresses
• Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
• Robe & shower shoes
• Books, cards, games and quiet toys for children

Alcoholic beverages, weapons, and drugs are not allowed in public shelters. 

Stopping for food or drinks during a large-scale evacuation may significantly delay you in getting to your destination. Some restaurants and stores along hurricane routes may be closed and those that are open are likely to be very crowded. Additionally, once you leave the evacuation route to purchase food or drinks, it may be difficult to re-enter the flow of traffic.

You should fill up your gas tank as soon as a tropical system develops in the Gulf because gas could become scarce in widespread power outages. You should also have plenty of cash because banks could be closed and credit card machines might not work.

Check on friends and neighbors to make sure they have transportation or to see if they need help in getting essential items together so they can be ready to evacuate. Assist them if you can. If you cannot, help them get in touch with the local emergency management office. Houston residents who need help can call 211.

Decide early on where you will go when a hurricane threatens so that you can make preparations. Your general objective should be to move away from the coast and well inland.

If you want to stay at a hotel or motel, make reservations as soon as it becomes apparent that you may have to leave. If you are trying to find a suitable hotel or motel:

If you’ve previously stayed somewhere that was satisfactory, call that place.

If you prefer a particular hotel or motel chain but need help in finding a location within reasonable driving distance, call Toll-free Directory Assistance at 1-800-555-1212 and ask for the toll-free number for that hotel/motel chain. You may also make reservations at most major hotel/motel chains and many bed and breakfast facilities over the Internet.

If you plan to stay with family or friends, call them in advance so they may plan for your arrival. If your plans change, be sure to inform the person with whom you intended to stay so that they don t worry.

Let your family and friends know where you can be reached.

Make sure you choose an alternative destination in the event you are unable to get to your first choice.

If you have a pet, plan ahead to find pet friendly hotels in Texas and surrounding states.

Keep in mind that both tropical storms and hurricanes often produce torrential rains and tornadoes well inland. If you plan to stay in an RV or trailer, you might want to avoid campgrounds located adjacent to streams and rivers or whose only access is via a low water crossing. And you may want to seek a campground that has some sort of stout building that could be used as a tornado shelter.