What decides whether or not to evacuate? Are shelters safer than homes?

We live approx. 10 miles from the Gulf in Bradenton. We are in a non-evacuation zone. Our house was built in 1987. We have plywood for the windows, a brace for the garage door, and a generator. We have 1 medium sized tree that could potentially fall on the house. We have 2 children (ages 1 & 4). If it was just us we probably wouldn't consider leaving, but with the kids we just don't know. With Dennis probably going to skirt us we will stay, but if one was headed toward us.....

So, what type of storm do you stay for, what do you leave for? What makes/made you decide this?

Thanks!
Stacey