There is a case to be made in some areas for remaining at home during a hurricane, but for those barrier islands like Galvestan staying is a non-starter.

My parents live about 30 miles inland from Dauphin Island and have weathered numerous hurricanes over the past 50 years including one direct hit in 1979. Following the direct hit by hurricane Frederic (see ref for photos) which they rode out, my father vowed never to remain through another one. He said the wind sounded like a freight train all night long.  Every house in town was damaged.  All needed completely new roofing and virtually every tree on his property and that of his neighbors was uprooted. Luckily none fell on his house, but the neighbor across the street wasn't so lucky.  A huge old pine flattened his roof.

Unfortunately time is not an ally of good judgement and they have remainded through several near misses since Frederic.

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears