Emergency Evacuation

Preparation Steps

• Plan two evacuation routes from your home in different directions.
• Identify a meeting point. Choose one near your home and one further away in case you are separated.
• Pre-load contacts. Store emergency contacts, family members, and local emergency services in every family member's phone.
• Designate an out-of-area contact. It is often easier to reach someone outside a disaster zone than within it.
• Prepare a go-bag. Keep it packed and ready to grab within 5 minutes.
• Know your evacuation zone. Register with local authorities if you need evacuation assistance.
• Practice. Run a family evacuation drill at least once a year.

Immediate Actions

When an evacuation order is issued:

1. Leave immediately. Do not wait to see if the situation improves.
2. Grab your go-bag. Do not spend time packing — everything critical should already be in it.
3. Turn off utilities if time permits (gas, water, electricity).
4. Lock your home. Note your departure time.
5. Follow official routes. Do not take shortcuts through unknown areas.
6. Notify your out-of-area contact of your departure and destination.
7. Do not return home until authorities give the all-clear.

Go-Bag Essentials

• Water (3-day supply: 3 liters per person minimum)
• Food (3-day supply: energy bars, dried food, canned goods)
• Prescription medications + copies of prescriptions
• Important documents: ID, passport, insurance cards, property deeds, bank info (waterproof bag)
• Cash in small bills
• Phone charger and battery bank
• Flashlight + extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Dust masks or N95 respirators
• Map of the area (physical, not just digital)
• Whistle
• Emergency space blanket
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Sleeping bag or warm layer
• Tools: multi-tool, duct tape, lighter

What to Avoid

• Do not use highways if local authorities advise against it — they can become parking lots.
• Do not post your real-time location on social media during evacuation.
• Do not return for belongings after leaving — no possession is worth your life.
• Do not drive through flooded roads. 12 inches of water can sweep away a car.
• Do not depend solely on GPS. Cell towers may be down; carry a paper map.
• Do not ignore evacuation orders. Staying puts first responders at risk.

Supplies Needed

• Go-bag (pre-packed, grab-and-go)
• Waterproof document bag or case
• Emergency radio (battery or hand-crank)
• Physical map of your state/region
• Full gas tank (or stored fuel canister)
• Pet supplies if applicable (food, carrier, vaccination records)
• Baby/infant supplies if applicable

Recovery Steps

• Do not re-enter your home until officially cleared.
• Document your home's condition with photos as soon as you return.
• Discard food that was unrefrigerated during the emergency period.
• Check for structural damage before occupying your home.
• Contact FEMA or local disaster assistance programs if your home is uninhabitable.
• Debrief with your family. What worked? What needs to be improved in your plan?
• Restock your go-bag as soon as possible.