Sometimes a household may decide to evacuate. Other times evacuations are advised to avoid situations they believe are potentially dangerous in the case of a wildfire or other type of emergency that may necessitate an evacuation. The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard.

Evacuation Terminology

• "Evacuation Warning" - an area with a potential threat to life and property, individuals needing extra time should consider evacuating at this time.
• "Evacuation ORDER" - recommending immediate movement of people out of an affected area due to imminent threat to life.
• As information becomes available, the Evacuation Warning and Evacuation Order information will be displayed on the Public Safety Hub.

When community evacuations become necessary local officials provide information to the public through personal contact, the media and other warning methods such as sirens, WEA cell-phone alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and door-to-door visits from emergency personnel. If the event is a weather condition (other than a flash food or tornado), you might have a day warning to get ready. However, many disasters allow little to no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

• Plan how you will assemble your family and supplies.
• Anticipate where you will go for different situations.
• Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency and know the evacuation routes to get to those destinations.
• Remember the 5 P's: People, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs, & Priceless Items.

Evacuation Guidelines

There may be conditions under which you will decide to get away or there may be situations when you are ordered to leave. Follow these guidelines for evacuation:

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood. Use the Family Emergency Plan to decide these locations before a disaster.
• If you have a car, keep a full tank of gas in it if an evacuation seems likely. It's also a good idea to keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle on a routine basis in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. 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.
• Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Make arrangements with family, friends or caregiver.
• Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
• 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 out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
• Secure your home by closing and locking 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 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 when you left and where you are going.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a cap.
• Check with neighbors who may need a ride.