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As Hurricane Ian makes its way toward Florida’s west coast, both local and state officials have activated emergency plans — urging residents to evacuate from high-impact areas.
But when it comes to evacuating from Ian’s path, residents such as Sharon Charles told NPR that they have no choice but to stay put and ride through the storm.
“I’m a wildlife rehabilitator and I care for a feral cat colony in my backyard,” said Charles.
Charles, who cares for nearly 20 pets, said that many hurricane evacuation shelters don’t accept animals, with only a few allowing only one to two animals; leaving those who don’t want to abandon their pets no other choice but to stay in their homes.
Whether it’s first responders, people working in animal shelters, those with disabilities or people with a language barrier, the reality is often far more complicated for those who can’t easily get up and evacuate to safety.
“It’s not as easy for some people, especially when you’re on the outside,” said Cara Cuite, an assistant extension specialist in the Department of Human Ecology at Rutgers University.
Cuite, who has studied evacuation decisions people made during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, says it’s not as simple as one may think when you’re not in the moment.
“It’s easy to think: Of course, people should just pack up and leave,” she said.
