Evac orders come from State, county and city Emerg. Management people, but they're not responsible for the inconvenience and danger their mandatory evac orders cause. They don't tell you where to go and they certainly don't offer any financial assistance. Visitors to an evac area need to do just that -- evac ASAP. Residents should be prepared to go to a shelter (look for pet shelters). Remember, once you evacuate, you may not be able to get back home for several days. Its also hard to find out when the evac order is over.

My family and I had to evacuate the Tampa-Clearwater area prior to Charlie, and like thousands of others, we ended up in greater danger by moving inland, rather than staying close to home and waiting a little longer. I know they do an important job, but I always dread hearing from the EOC. They never have any good news.