A shelter designed to protect you and your family from a hurricane should not be built in an area expected to be flooded during a hurricane.

Residents of these hazardous coastal areas should abide by the warnings of their local emergency services personnel and evacu- ate to safer ground. The protection from wind provided by safe rooms and shelters is quickly negated when stranded homeowners find them- selves trapped by flood waters.

If you do not know whether your house is in a storm surge area or other area subject to flooding, check the community service section of your local phone book for storm surge evacuation information or ask your local emergency management or floodplain management official.