Pets can not be allowed into the large evacuation centers - allergies alone, nevermind the potential for bites, fights, etc. I don't know what facilities were available for them this time.

For the record, we are discussing the problem not disagreeing or even arguing.

I rode out hurricanes with my family as a child when common sense dictated get out. I remember watching the tide come in and cover cars on the street while we waited to see how high it would go. Howard Beach is also below sea level, a swamp drained and built up in the 40s and 50s during the post war housing boom. There have been multiple floods there over the years. The last one came on a full moon and a full tide with a heavy wind not a hurricane and took everyone by surprise. Several of my relatives were flooded out of their homes.

People will not evacuate next time - right or wrong, many won't.