Evacuation

If it becomes necessary to leave the area, notice would be given on the radio. Information would include who should go (by areas), where to go, and how to get there.

Remember:

• Don’t panic—stay calm. You reduce your risk if you act calmly and do not rush.
• Collect essential items to take with you. Gather personal items you and your family might need, such as special medicines, eyeglasses, clothing, sleeping bags or blankets, personal care items, baby supplies, etc. Avoid excess baggage.
• Do not go to your child’s school. Children would be moved to a host school outside the affected area. They would be cared for as long as needed.
• Radio messages would tell you where and how to reach your children.
• Leave pets and farm animals at home, unless you plan to stay with friends or relatives. Animals would not be allowed in the temporary public shelters.
• Leave plenty of food and water for your animals. Inform registration personnel at the Evacuation Reception Center or Mass Care Center that pets and/or farm animals have been left behind at your residence.
• Turn off lights and appliances (except refrigerators and freezers).
• As you leave, lock your windows and doors. Tie a white cloth on your front door to let emergency officials know that you have been notified and have evacuated.
• Use your own transportation. Offer rides to neighbors. Buses would be available for people without cars. Keep car windows and air vents closed. Set air conditioning to recirculate air inside the car. Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) station as you drive out of the area.
• See the evacuation routes on the map on this Web site. Find the zone you live in and remember it. (Write down your zone number and keep it in a handy place, like on the refrigerator door or in an address book.)
• Follow the evacuation routes and any instructions given by emergency personnel on evacuation routes. If you need a place to stay, temporary shelter information would be distributed along the evacuation route. This information would also be broadcast on EAS radio stations.
• Evacuees should proceed to a Reception Center. If temporary shelter is needed, then you would be directed to a Mass Care Center. Click here for Reception Centers.
• While you are away, local police would protect homes and businesses. Only authorized persons would be allowed into the evacuated area.