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If you've been getting ready to escape from a hurricane since they first warned about it, you should be all set to leave once they officially tell you to evacuate. The longer you wait, the more likely you'll end up stuck in a huge traffic jam. When you're packing, try to keep things simple. You don't need to take everything you own—just grab what you really need. If you have time, unplug some big appliances (to reduce the risk of electrical shock when the power comes back on) and turn off the gas, electricity, and water before you go. Make sure you've got all your important papers and medicines with you. The farther you drive, the more traffic you'll hit, so try to choose the closest evacuation spot. Ideally, it could be a friend or family member in your area who doesn't need to evacuate. Sometimes, you just need to go far enough to avoid the storm surge. If you don't have to leave, or if you can't for some reason, you might decide to stay home and wait out the hurricane. Keep in mind that most people who get hurt during a hurricane are hurt by flying glass and debris, so don't go outside, even if it seems like the storm is over. You might be in the eye of the storm, and the wind could pick up again, leaving you stranded outside.