Many Houston Residents Say No to an Evacuation

Thirty-nine percent of Harris County and surrounding area residents say they would not evacuate and just stay home if a major hurricane was heading for Houston; according to a report from Allstate Insurance Company.

The insurer says more than half (52%) of Houston area residents who indicated they would not flee an approaching hurricane, cite massive traffic jams as a reason for riding out the weather at home. Seventy-nine percent say they wouldn't evacuate because they would be safe at home and another 40 percent say they need to protect their home from possible looting in the wake of the disaster.

"The idea that nearly forty percent of Houston would choose to stay home and face a hurricane is disturbing data that illustrates a potentially deadly false sense of security," said Dana Philibert, an Allstate agent in Houston. "The public should always listen to and obey local authorities when and if the call comes to evacuate."

Nearly half (48%) of Houston area residents say regardless of their intent they have no advance plan for a possible hurricane evacuation.

Proper Planning

According to Allstate, 40% of Houston area residents say they are generally not prepared for a possible hurricane. Disaster recovery experts say preparation includes having familiarity with your community's disaster preparedness plan, evacuation routes and creating a family hurricane plan.