Hurricane Milton- what does it actually take to evacuate during a weather crisis-
As Hurricane Milton approaches Tampa, Florida, Mayor Jane Castor has issued a chilling warning: “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.” Yet, the stark reality is that not everyone has the option to evacuate when facing a category 5 storm.
We spoke with Cara Cuite, an assistant professor in the department of human ecology at Rutgers University, who outlined two primary reasons that influence people’s decisions to ride out a storm. The first group tends to underestimate the danger or believes that the official warnings are overstated. The second group, however, faces practical obstacles that make leaving their homes challenging.
Cuite believes that skepticism about the storm’s seriousness is likely to be rare this time, given the straightforward messages from local authorities. For those in the second category, several barriers can complicate evacuation:
1. **Cost of Travel**: According to a 2023 Federal Reserve estimate, nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense with cash. Past research, such as studies conducted during Hurricane Harvey, found that evacuees often spent around $1,200 – with costs escalating for those needing hotel rooms. For residents trying to leave in personal vehicles, expenses for gas, lodging, food, and other necessities can add up quickly, provided their cars are functional. Air travel, which might be viewed as an option, comes with significant costs, including ticket fares and transport to airports. While some airlines have been accused of price gouging in these situations, others claim they’ve capped ticket prices to help evacuees. Cierra Chenier, a writer and historian from New Orleans, underscores the impact of socioeconomic disparities during crises, noting, “It’s always those communities that are most vulnerable that suffer the most.”
2. **Nowhere to Go**: Following Hurricane Helene, many shelters, hotels, and rental properties are already at full capacity, leaving evacuees with few options. Stacy Millet, a professor in emergency management and homeland security at the University of Akron, emphasizes that the absence of pre-arranged destinations can prevent people from evacuating. She suggests that having a safe place to go, such as a residence in a less affected area, could encourage people to leave sooner. Yet, many lack that support system, and when local shelters are full, they face the tough choice of traveling long distances or staying put.
3. **Disability**: Evacuating poses particular challenges for individuals with disabilities or health concerns. Cuite notes that if accessible transportation or suitable accommodations cannot be found, the hurdles to leaving grow significantly. Those needing specific aids, like mobility devices, may find it particularly hard to get the help they need.
4. **Pets**: The safety of pets also heavily influences evacuation decisions. Many shelters do not accept animals, and those that do often impose restrictions on the number or kinds of pets allowed. As Cuite points out, “Sometimes people stay to protect their home, to protect their animals that they can’t take with them.” This concern is amplified in rural areas, where residents may feel responsible for the care of larger animals, such as livestock.
5. **Fear of Permanent Displacement**: The haunting memories of Hurricane Katrina linger, where around 1.5 million Louisiana residents evacuated but many were unable to return home. This history feeds into the anxiety of leaving, particularly for those who have experienced displacement due to previous natural disasters. Chenier raises critical questions: “It’s great that you might have busloads of people that you’re able to get out very quickly, but who knows how they will fare when separated from their families? How long will they be gone? We have no idea what the aftermath of these storms will entail.” Ultimately, there is a deep concern about ensuring people have the right to return to their homes after such emergencies.
