I live far enough away that we expect only rain and 30 mph winds.

For some years I had an office on Flour Bluff peninsula, between Corpus Christi and Padre Island, and we routinely prepared for hurricanes with contingency plans. Over a six year period, we never had one come ashore there. As an oil and gas operator we had various levels of preparedness for our production facilities. On one occasion we filled all the storage tanks with sea water and shut-in the oil producers leaving only the gas wells going. But we missed a bullet.

I would never, ever, stay and ride one out. I wouldn't stay even if it is not forecast to be too bad. If the intensity changes in the last hour or two before it hits land, which can happen, you are putting yourself at risk.

Put the covers on the windows. Get the checkbook, negotiable securites, jewelry and picture albums, and leave. It will all be there when you get back....or it won't. But your life will not be at risk.