As Hurricane Dorian approaches US, tips to keep in mind if you're evacuating

EMILY SHAPIRO

As Hurricane Dorian approaches US, tips to keep in mind if you're evacuating originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Hurricane Dorian is closing in on the Southeast coast, where evacuations have been ordered in coastal areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Storm surge and gusty winds pose some of the biggest threats to the region.

PHOTO: City of Tampa Parks & Recreation employee Rod McKinney helps Horace Whittington 61, of Tampa load sandbags in his truck for his mother 91-year-old mother in preparation for Hurricane Dorian at MacFarlane Park in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 29, 2019. (Octavio Jones/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press)

(MORE: PHOTOS: Hurricane Dorian's destruction)

For those evacuating, here are some tips to keep in mind, according to the Department of Homeland Security:

-- Identify several places you could go, like a friend's home or a motel. Pick places in different directions so you have options.

-- If you have pets, remember that most public shelters allow only service animals.

-- The FEMA app has a list of open shelters.

(MORE: How to know when a hurricane is coming and other key facts to know)

-- Unplug electronics like TVs and small appliances.

-- Take an emergency kit with you that includes water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries and important family documents.

PHOTO: Residents buy supplies at a Walmart in West Miami on August 30, 2019, in preparation for Hurricane Dorian. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP/Getty Images)

(MORE: What to know about hurricane categories and the Saffir-Simpson wind scale)

-- Follow recommended evacuation routes and don't take shortcuts.

-- Come up with a family re-unification plan in case you are separated.

-- Stay in contact with local officials.