Evacuating Your Home During a Natural Disaster

• • Learn what kinds of disasters are likely to happen in your area.
  • Research local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each type of disaster.
  • Plan how you’ll leave, who will help you, and where you’ll go if asked to evacuate.
  • Identify places you could go to in an emergency, such as a friend’s home or motel.
  • If needed, identify a place to stay that accepts pets. Most public shelters only allow service animals.
  • Be familiar with alternate roads and other means of transportation out of your area.
  • Follow instructions from local officials (police and fire stations); Consider your evacuation route may involve walking.
  • Create a family plan to stay in touch, and have a designated meeting place.
  • Prepare a “go-bag” to carry when evacuating on foot or public transportation, and supplies for traveling longer distances by car.

• • Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank at all times incase of an unexpected emergency. Gas stations may be closed and unable to pump gas.
  • Carry a portable emergency kit in the car.
  • The Coronavirus may have changed your community’s plans for where you can go to be safe.
  • If you evacuate to a community shelter with lots of people, protect yourself and your family from possible exposure:
  • Anyone over 2-years-old should use a cloth mask while at these facilities.
  • Take cleaning items with you like cloth masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies.
  • Keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and people who aren’t your immediate family.

• Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during a disaster in your area.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
• Take your emergency supply kit.
• Leave early enough to get out of your home safely.
• Take pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be allowed in public shelters.

If you have time:

• Call or email your family’s designated contact and tell them where you’re going.
• Secure your home by closing and locking all doors and windows.
• Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, and small appliances.
• Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
• If you’re instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you’re going.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
• Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads, bridges, and downed power lines.
• Don’t drive into flooded areas.

• Before you travel, check with local officials where you’re staying, as well as those back home.
• If you’re returning to disaster-affected areas, be prepared for disruptions to your daily activities.
• Returning home before debris is cleared can be dangerous.
• Alert friends and family before you leave the shelter, as well as when you arrive home.
• Charge phones, tablets, and other communication devices. Consider getting back-up batteries.
• Fill up your gas tank and check for roads that might be blocked along your route.
• Bring supplies, such as water and food, that won’t spoil.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines. Report them immediately to local power or utility companies.