Hurricane season is here, and that means one big question: should you stay or should you go? Some folks pack up and evacuate as soon as they hear the first warning, while others prefer to secure their home and ride it out. Your decision should always consider your home’s capability to withstand hurricanes and your area’s flood risk. However, your level of preparedness should also be a deciding factor. Choosing to bug in means having a secure shelter and adequate supplies while bugging out requires a clear plan, a safe destination, and the right gear. Let’s break things down so you can make the right call before it’s too late.
Hurricane Season: Should You Stay or Go?
Hurricane season is stressful enough, but what about when you’re forced to choose between staying home or leaving? Let’s walk through both choices so you can make the best decision.
Bugging In: When Staying Put Makes Sense
If you have a secure, well-built home located outside a flood zone, staying put can be the safer choice. However, survival is more than just waiting for the storm to pass. Bugging in requires careful planning and well-stocked supplies to make sure you can outlast the calamity.
When to Bug In:
You live inland, away from storm surge zones.
Your home is well-built that it can withstand high winds without collapsing.
You have enough supplies to last at least two weeks.
You have no medical devices that need electricity and no medical conditions that require emergency care.
The roads are too dangerous, blocked, or jammed with evacuees.
Preparing to Bug In:
1⃣ Fortify Your Home – Board up windows to reduce the chances of damage from strong winds or debris. At the same time, secure all outdoor furniture before they get blown about and hurt someone. Finally, cut or trim tree branches that could snap during the storm and damage your house.
2⃣ Stockpile Essentials – Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for their daily drinkig requirements. In addition, stock up on non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking and refrigeration such as canned goods and power bars. Going out of the hours is not an option while the hurricane rages, and even if the storm dies down, you’ll find it hard to get supplies during the next few days.
3⃣ Power Up – Fully charge all devices while the power is running, but keep a backup battery and have a generator on standby. However, make sure to position the generator outdoors to prevent residents from carbon monoxide poisoning.
4⃣ Stay Informed – A battery-powered NOAA weather radio will provide you with the latest updates even if the power and internet are out. Make sure your house has at least one battery-operated radio so you won’t miss any weather updates or critical evacuation orders.
5⃣ Sanitation Plan – During a hurricane, utility companies often shut the water off to prevent contamination or damages to the facility. Make sure you store enough water as your a backup source for maintaining hygiene such as washing dishes, flushing toilets, and cleaning floors. In addition, stock up on wet wipes, hand sanitizer, trash bags, and other hygiene supplies.
Biggest Bugging-In Mistake:
Ignoring flood risk. Water rises fast during a storm surge, and even a few feet of flooding inside your house can prove deadly. If flooding is likely in your area, don’t even think about bugging in. Pack your bags and get out as early as you can.
Bugging Out: When It’s Time to Leave 
If authorities issue an evacuation order, don’t hesitate to leave. Staying could put your life at risk. Roads clog up fast, and once they do, it may be too late to evacuate safely.
When to Bug Out:
You live in a flood-prone or coastal area where storm surges could be deadly.
Your home isn’t built to withstand strong hurricane winds.
Anybody in your household has medical needs that require continuous power, refrigeration, or emergency care.
Local officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order, which means local conditions are life-threatening.
You don’t have enough supplies for everybody to wait it out at home.
Preparing to Bug Out:
1⃣ Know Your Route – Plan multiple routes so that you can proceed with your evacuation even if main roads are blocked. Also, print the maps you need so that when the GPS fails, you can still navigate your way to your destination.
2⃣ Pack a Go-Bag in Advance – Way before hurricane season, start packing clothes, medications, water, non-perishable food, cash, and important documents. If you decide to leave at the very last minute, you’ll likely encounter empty stores, disabled ATMs, and impassable roads.
3⃣ Fuel Up – Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season. If you wait too long, many gas stations would be closed and/or out of stock. Even if you find a working gasoline station, it’ll likely have long lines and short-tempered customers.
4⃣ Let Family and Friends Know – When evacuating, make sure to tell at least one friend or family member about your plan. Share information such as your destination, route, and estimated time of arrival. This way, they can alert the authorities and share your itinerary if you fail to check in or get stranded.
5⃣ Secure Your Home Before Leaving – Board up windows, move valuables to higher ground, and unplug appliances. Neglecting these tasks can lead to even more damage to the house once you get back.
Biggest Bugging-Out Mistake:
Leaving too late. If traffic is at a standstill or flooding starts, you could get trapped in your car. Having nowhere to go is the most dangerous situations to be in a hurricane.
The Hybrid Plan: Prepare for Both
Hurricanes are by nature unpredictable. One moment, you think you’re safe and just need to ride out the storm at home. The next moment, the storm has changed course and is now heading in your direction. That’s why you need a plan for both bugging in and bugging out.
Prepare your home in case you need to stay.
Pack a go-bag and plan evacuation routes in case you need to leave.
Stay alert for official updates because weather conditions can change quickly.
Decide early. If you’re unsure whether to stay or go, err on the side of caution and evacuate.
Hurricane Season: Make the Right Call
So what would it be, bugging in or bugging out? If your home can handle the storm and you have enough supplies, staying put makes sense. But if the storm is intensifying or officials are warning of life-threatening conditions, it’s always best to leave immediately. Remember, your house is replaceable, but your life isn’t.
FAQs Hurricane Season: Bug In vs Bug Out
- How do I know if I’m in a flood zone?
Check FEMA’s flood zone maps online or ask your local emergency management office.
- What’s the biggest danger during a hurricane?
Flooding. More people die from water-related incidents than from high winds.
- What’s the best vehicle for bugging out?
A high-clearance SUV or truck with good fuel efficiency is ideal.
- How much food and water should I store?
At least two weeks’ worth per person to stay safe.
- What if I don’t have a generator?
Use battery-powered devices, freeze water bottles to keep food cold longer, and conserve power.
