Evacuation Plans
When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the
public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens
telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you
your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school,
workplace to avoid these situations.
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a
ther condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or
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,
nsportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands
people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently.
ost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of
roaching hurricanes.
Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see if maps may are
ilable with evacuation routes marked.
| 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 ciongestion and delay.
|
Gather your disater 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 and 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 electric equipment, such as radios and televisions.
And small appliances such as microwaves, and toasters.
Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. |
Gather your family and go if you are instructed to evacuate. |
Let others know where you are going. |
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 washed-out roads and bridges. Do NOT drive into flooded areas. |
|
Stay away from downed power lines. |
