The decision to evacuate
There may be emergencies or conditions in which you decide to leave an area, or there may be times when you are ordered to leave an area. Planning now on how you will assemble your family, what to take with your and where you will go will help you when the time comes.
Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Consider talking with your neighbors to see if you can plan together.
Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.
Lock the door behind you.
Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency.
If time allows:
- Call or email the contact in your family communication plan and tell them where you are going
- If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving
- Leave a note telling others wen you left and where you are going
- Check with neighbors who may need a ride or other assistance in leaving
Information courtesy of American Red Cross
and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
