We live in what locals would call a "hurricane house" (i.e. it's a sturdy older house on stilts) and you can bet your behind that I'd be out of here for anything stronger than a cat 1 storm under normal circumstances. This year, with an infant, I was seriously considering leaving until it appeared clear that we were going to get tropical storm conditions at worst.
The entire west coast was under a hurricane warning. Anyone in a mobile home that stayed was tragically wrong.
You guys have it much worse than we do, with only 1 way out of the Keys until you get to my area. I don't blame you one bit for deciding to pack up and get out with an infant. I'd do the exact same thing. Thankfully, we dodged a bullet once again with Charley. Now lets see what TD 5 does over the next few days. This is going to be a long hurricane season.
Our house was built after Andrew and has all the upgraded hurricane standard upgrades. We've said I will pack up the animals and leave for anything over a 4. Unfortunately my husband will not be able to evacuate with me because he's considered essential personel at his job (Turkey Point Nuclear).
Same, our place in Key Largo is concrete block with a concrete roof. We stay at a Cat 2, shelter at Mariners Hospital if higher.