HOUSTON -- With less than two weeks until hurricane season, Harris County released a new evacuation plan based on ZIP codes to get families to safety if a storm strikes, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Smooth evacuations are a priority for city and county leaders after thousands got stuck in hours of gridlock trying to leave before Hurricane Rita hit in September 2005.

Cammy Shay will never forget the rough ride she and her family experienced during what turned out to be a 33-hour trip to Dallas.

"One of our dogs almost died. We were in an un-air conditioned car. I was alone with my children. We really believed that we wouldn't have a home to come back to," Shay said.

This year, Harris County officials hope to have a more effective evacuation process, giving priority to people who live in the storm surge.

"We cannot have a situation where somebody says, 'OK, everybody out. Let's go.' They've got to be a staggered evacuation," Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said.

Emmett says ZIP codes will be used to identify the houses in the three storm surge areas. Up to 300,000 people live in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.

He said people who live on higher ground should be prepared to shelter-in-place.

Those with special medical needs should register with 211.

"Really, the folks that we're targeting are folks who live either by themselves or with family members who aren't going to be able to evacuate them," said Dr. Herminia Palacio, the Harris County health director.

The state has also implemented four main evacuation routes out of Houston.

Interstate 10 west to San Antonio
Interstate 45 north to Dallas
Interstate 59 north to Nacodoches
Highway 290 west to Austin or Waco

The Texas Department of Public Safety will decide when to begin contraflow lanes. Refueling stations will be placed along the routes.

"The county is ready. We think the state is ready. What we've got to impress on everybody is -- it's now your turn," Emmett said.

Officials said they cannot legally prohibit anyone who does not live in the storm surge from evacuating at the same time. They are just asking people to use some common sense, giving priority to those who live in the storm surge.

KPRC Local 2 will air a special, "Hurricane Survival Guide," on Friday, June 1 at 7 p.m.

More Information:

Click2Houston Hurricane Section
Hurricane Evacuation Maps By ZIP Codes
Harris County Hurricane Evacuation Contraflow Routes
Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management