Evacuation

What it is

An evacuation means leaving your home or area to get away from danger, such as a wildfire, hurricane, flood or chemical spill. Sometimes there are days of warning; sometimes you have minutes.

Who is at risk

Anyone can be told to evacuate. People without a car, people who need help to move, families with pets or livestock, and people in coastal or wildfire areas should plan the most carefully.

Get ready now

1. Learn your local evacuation zones and routes, and plan at least two ways out.
2. Decide where you will go: friends or family outside the area, a hotel, or a public shelter. Check which ones accept pets.
3. Pack a go-bag for each person: water, snacks, medicine, copies of documents, cash, chargers, glasses and a change of clothes.
4. Plan for pets: carriers, leashes, food, medicine and vaccination records.
5. If you don't drive, ask your local emergency management office about evacuation help, and arrange a ride ahead of time.
6. Choose an out-of-area contact everyone in your family can check in with.
7. Keep your car's gas tank at least half full in your threat season.

When it happens

1. Leave right away when officials tell you to. Don't wait.
2. Take your go-bags, medicine, pets and phone chargers.
3. Follow the routes officials give you. Shortcuts may be blocked or dangerous.
4. If there is time, lock your home and tell your out-of-area contact where you are going.
5. Never drive through flood water or around road barriers.

After

1. Go home only when officials say it is safe.
2. Let family and friends know you are safe.
3. Watch for hazards like downed power lines, damaged roads and gas leaks.
4. Restock your go-bags.

Official sources

• Ready.gov: Evacuation
• American Red Cross: Make a plan
• National Weather Service: Safety
• CDC: Natural disasters and severe weather

This guide summarises public advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.