The Indicator from Planet Money Can you afford to evacuate ahead of a disaster?
32 snips
Jul 9, 2025 As hurricane season begins, the podcast delves into the tough decision of whether to evacuate before a storm. Rising costs, from travel to shelter, complicate these choices for many residents. Personal stories from New Orleans reveal how financial pressures affect evacuation decisions. The discussion also highlights issues like price gouging and FEMA's shortcomings, showing how evacuating can feel like a luxury for some. Ultimately, it questions what preparedness really means in a world with increasingly severe weather.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tracking Evacuation Costs Anecdote
- Nick Oakwin evacuated his family from New Orleans to Alabama ahead of Hurricane Francine.
- He tracked all evacuation costs, including snacks and meals, demonstrating the financial impact on families.
Consider Evacuation Fatigue and Costs
- Evacuating multiple times per hurricane season can be exhausting and costly.
- Families should consider evacuation fatigue and financial strain when planning for storms.
Evacuation Costs Have Spiked
- Evacuation costs are much higher now than a decade ago, rising about four to five times even after inflation adjustment.
- Increased unpredictability and rapid intensification of storms contribute to these escalating evacuation expenses.