I have ‘ridden out’ hurricanes and evacuated some.
If you evacuate- go early before the roads get clogged and traffic is at a crawl and fuel and food along the way is sparse. Go early and make a ‘vacation’ out of it.

If you stay- BE PREPARED. It is possible to sustain no damage but be without power for days (No A/C in August), no gasoline (gas pumps run on electricity). stores closed, many roads impassable, no TV, lights or microwave oven, no hot water if it’s an electric water heater, and (the worst) possible in-laws showing up for shelter.

From my experience- I have already lost most of the big trees around my house from past hurricanes, I have a natural gas (or can be run from propane tank) generator that is hard wired into my house that will automatically come on and run everything in it, gas heat, gas water heater, gas stove, and gas dryer. My house is brick and the roof is wind storm certified. I stock up with food and gasoline (2x 55 gallon drums). My neighbors have front-end loaders (farm equipment) and plenty of chainsaws. I have satellite TV with the dish protected low on the ground.

Whatever you do HAVE A PLAN and be safe! (from one who has been three and done that)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU ON THE EAST COAST!!!!