You are missing the big point. The evacuation on 9/11 was huge precisely because it was a business district. And it went off amazingly, because it was not centrally planned.
Even though this weak hurricane covered a huge area, the response is 100% government.
Private concerns are not free to come in and help. Disasters were handled much better before it was a government political opportunity. A few decades ago, there was a swarm of regular people, finding a thousand ways to help.
Now only certified, official, centrally planned Government responses are allowed.
With all due respect, that's just not true. The news coverage may be focused on the state/federal government response, but beyond that, people all over the region--within the neighborhoods and communities that have been affected, as well as others in the area--have come together, without government control, direction or involvement. Helping neighbors assess the damage and begin cleaning/re-building. Organizing food/clothing drives and fundraisers. Bringing meals to elderly neighbors in high-rise buildings that lost power. Private businesses putting their skills and resources to use in whatever ways they can.
You may not see it in the media, but take it from someone who's here - there are swarms of people, throughout this region, finding ways to help.