Now that the decision has been made to evacuate, it is time to accelerate evacuation plans. You probably should also pay less attention to the location of the eye and more attention to the location of the 40-mph tropical storm-force winds. The evacuation should be completed before these winds reach the community. Remember, the forecast for when and where these winds will arrive could change drastically. Fully activate the EOC. Partially mobilize resources. Start documenting expenses. Verify resources and staffing prior to opening shelters. Make public service announcements. Caution! Don't recommend school closures yet so children can be kept out of harm's way and watched while the adults make their preparations.

The time needed to prepare depends on Daytime or nighttime Weekday, weekend, or holiday Intensity of storm This is a good time to consider planning for a hurricane one category higher in intensity. Errors in forecasting maximum wind speed and forward speed of the hurricane can greatly affect How far the population must be evacuated How much time is available before tropical storm-force winds strike And those results can affect how long evacuees are exposed to dangerous winds on the roads.

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