Emergency Information > Evacuation > Evacuation Tips




What You Should Do
If Asked to Evacuate

Evacuation Tips
 

If local authorities direct you to evacuate your home or office and go to an emergency shelter, act quickly and follow their instructions. They will tell you when to go to an emergency shelter, where the shelter is located, and in which direction you should travel to get to the shelter.
 
If you have children in school, they may be sheltered at the school. You should not try to get to the school if the children are being sheltered there. Transporting them from the school will put them, and you, at increased risk.
 
Evacuating and sheltering in this way should keep you safer than if you stayed at home or at your workplace. You will most likely not be in the shelter for more than a few hours. Emergency coordinators will let you know when it is safe to leave the shelter and anything you may need to do to make sure it is safe to re-enter your home.
 
Here are some simple tips to follow if asked to evacuate:
 
  • Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
 
  • Make sure you take your disaster supplies kit with you.
 
  • Take your pets with you; do not leave them behind. Pets are not permitted in public shelters, so follow your plan to leave them at a relative's or friend's home, or take them to a "pet-friendly" hotel.
 
  • If you have time, call your out-of-state contact person to let them know where you are going and that you are safe. Local telephone lines may be jammed in an emergency, so you should plan ahead to have a contact person to leave messages with who lives in another state or at least 100 miles away.
 
  • Secure your home. Close and lock windows and doors, and unplug appliances before you leave. Authorities will instruct you if it is necessary to turn off utilities.
 
  • Check on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer to help those with disabilities or other special needs.
 
  • If you need a ride, ask a neighbor. If no one is available to help you, listen to the emergency broadcast station for further instructions
 
  • Take only one car to the evacuation site.
 
  • Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut may put you in the path of danger. For your safety, follow the exact route local officials tell you to take.
 
  • Stay away from downed power lines.
 
  • Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
 
  • Move quickly and calmly.
 
 
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