When evacuation is necessary in the community, the local authorities provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens and phone calls, are also used. There may be circumstances in which your family and you might feel threatened or in danger and, therefore, feel need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid said situations.
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the type of danger. If the event is weather related, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to prepare. However, many disasters do not allow time to gather the most basic needs; this is why it is essential to have a special plan beforehand.
Evacuations: They are more common than you might think
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Each year, traffic and hazardous material accidents, have forced thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people at the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate upon hurricane alerts in the area.
Ask your local administration about emergency evacuation routes and see if they have maps with marked evacuation routes available.
Evacuation Instructions
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If time allows: |
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Keep your car with a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and are not able to pump gas during a blackout. Plan for one car per family to reduce traffic and delay. |
Gather your emergency equipment. |
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Make transportation arrangements with friends or your local administration, if you do not own a car. |
Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that provide some protection such as long pants, long sleeved shirts and a coat. |
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Listen to a battery radio and follow instructions for local evacuation. |
Secure your home: Unplug electrical equipment, such as radios, televisions and small appliances, such as toasters and microwave ovens. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged unless there is a risk of flooding. |
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Gather your family and leave the area if you have received instructions to evacuate immediately. |
Inform other people about the place you are headed to. |
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Leave with enough time to avoid being trapped in the middle of severe weather. |
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Follow the recommended evacuation routes. Do not choose shortcuts; since they may be blocked. |
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Beware of roads and bridges that may be affected by the disaster. Do not drive in flooded areas. |
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Stay away from downed power lines. |
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