We have 'mandatory evac' orders here (FL) but similar.... you don't go.... Don't call us for help... we HAVE had it happen. You can imagine the 'surprise' when the dispatchers tell them: We're sorry but we are NOT sending anyone. We will log the request and try to respond when it is safe to do so..... They try to provide some over the phone direction of what to do (ie central room, no windows etc) but they do remind them that they WERE told to evacuate.

People have been told to use permanent marker to write their social security number on their arm so we can ID them later if necessary.

Our crews do NOT go out in sustained winds over 40 MPH. Just too dangerous.

Hurricane Florence: One man plans to ride out the storm on his boat
What could possibly go wrong???

Circumstances vary, and these are deeply personal decisions. It would be interesting to do followup interviews with these same people, at least those who will have survived.

I probably would be gone by now. Life safety is far more important than any material goods. By withdrawing now, I would be available to assist in rescue and salvage efforts after the storm.

Typically, there are about as many fatalities occurring during the cleanup phase as occur as a direct result of the storm itself....

If we lived on a boat, we too would stay on it for the storm...... IN ANOTHER LOCATION.

Why evacuate from the house, when you can evacuate the house it self, right?

That's just it- the ones who survive will be happy with their decision. The ones who don't... you can't interview. It's called "survivor bias".

Not necessarily. I worked with a guy who hunkered down in place for Andrew, and he definitely regretted that decision. Of course, there are many who would never admit to making less than a wonderful, intelligent decision.

AuntGoo was in Homestead for Andrew and had to stay. She lived in a condo complex. The buildings perpendicular to hers lost their roofs, contents, etc. She still gets nervous anytime there's a hurricane on the east coast...