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When community evacuations become necessary, local officials
provide information to the public through the media. In some
circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone
calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances
under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and
you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these
situations.
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard.
If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can
be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However,
many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most
basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.
Evacuation: More Common than You Realize
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds
of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents
release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave
their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more
frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic
coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.
Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see
if maps may are available with evacuation routes
marked.
Evacuation Guidelines
| Always: |
If time permits: |
| Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an
evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during
emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages.
Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and
delay. |
Gather your disaster supplies kit. |
Make transportation arrangements with
friends or your local government if you do
not own a car. |
Wear sturdy shoes and clothing
that provides some protection,
such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap. |
| Listen to a battery-powered radio and
follow local evacuation instructions. |
Secure your home:
Close and lock doors and windows.
Unplug electrical equipment, such as radios and
televisions, and small appliances, such as toasters and
microwaves. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in
unless there is a risk of flooding. |
| Gather your family and go if you are in-
structed to evacuate immediately. |
Let others know where you are going. |
| Leave early enough to avoid being trapped
by severe weather. |
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| Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do
not take shortcuts; they may be blocked. |
|
| Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges.
Do not drive into flooded areas. |
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| Stay away from downed power lines. |
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