Are You Prepared to Evacuate? Here’s What You Need to Know

Emergencies come without warning. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster, knowing how to evacuate effectively can make the difference between life and death. Being prepared in advance ensures you can act quickly, with confidence, and take the right steps to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and even your pets. Here’s everything you need to know about evacuating safely.

What You Need to Know About Evacuations

Evacuations can be stressful and chaotic. To stay prepared, familiarize yourself with evacuation protocols in your area. Know the types of emergencies common where you live—hurricanes in coastal regions, wildfires in dry climates, or flash floods in low-lying areas.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications. Services like FEMA, the Red Cross, and local government agencies often provide real-time updates.
• Understand Evacuation Orders: Evacuations may be voluntary, recommended, or mandatory. If a mandatory evacuation is issued, leave immediately. Delaying puts you and first responders at unnecessary risk.
• Know the Routes: Learn multiple evacuation routes from your home and work, as some roads may be closed during emergencies.

What Should You Take?

Packing for an evacuation requires forethought. Assemble an emergency kit in advance and keep it accessible. Here’s a checklist of essentials:

1. Important Documents:
   • Identification (driver’s license, passports)
   • Insurance policies (home, health, auto)
   • Medical records
   • Property deeds or leases
   • Emergency contact information
2. Cash and Cards:
   • ATMs may be down during disasters, so carry some cash.
3. Basic Supplies:
   • Water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
   • Non-perishable food (enough for three days)
   • Flashlights with extra batteries
   • Portable phone chargers
   • First aid kit
4. Clothing and Personal Items:
   • Sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothes
   • Toiletries and personal hygiene products
   • Prescription medications and medical equipment
5. Special Needs:
   • Baby supplies like formula, diapers, and wipes
   • Hearing aids, glasses, or other assistive devices
6. Comfort Items:
   • Blankets, pillows, or small personal comforts, especially for children.

What About Pets?

Your pets depend on you during emergencies. Plan ahead to ensure their safety and comfort:

• Emergency Pet Kit:
  • Food, water, and bowls
  • Leashes, collars with ID tags
  • Pet carrier or crate
  • Vaccination records and any required medications
  • Comfort items like toys or blankets
• Plan for Evacuation:
  • Check ahead for pet-friendly shelters or hotels.
  • If possible, never leave pets behind. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly, leaving them trapped or endangered.

What About Disabled People in Wheelchairs?

Evacuating with a disability or assisting someone who is disabled requires special considerations. A few key steps can make the process smoother:

• Personalized Plan:
  • Discuss specific needs with caregivers, neighbors, and emergency contacts.
  • Register with local emergency management services, as many maintain lists of residents requiring assistance during evacuations.
• Supplies:
  • Ensure your emergency kit includes backup mobility aids like a spare wheelchair battery, repair tools, or manual chair.
  • Pack items like ramps if needed to navigate exits.
• Transportation:
  • If public transportation isn’t wheelchair accessible, identify accessible evacuation resources or neighbors willing to assist.
• Communication:
  • Prearrange signals or messages to convey urgent needs.

How to Make Decisions Under Pressure

Decisions during an evacuation are often time-sensitive. Planning ahead makes it easier to focus and prioritize.

1. Evaluate Risk:
   • Is the danger immediate or looming? For example, in a wildfire, strong winds can accelerate flames, so waiting is often too risky.
2. Consider Resources:
   • Are your supplies ready? Is transportation available? Gather what you need quickly.
3. Trust Officials:
   • If authorities issue an evacuation, heed their warnings. Delays can lead to road congestion or make it impossible to leave.

How Late Is Too Late?

Waiting too long to evacuate can cost lives. Here are signs it’s becoming too late to leave safely:

• Blocked Roads: If routes are flooded or gridlocked, staying put might be safer.
• Intensifying Conditions: In hurricanes, once winds reach 74 mph, it’s too dangerous to drive.
• Local Warnings: Pay attention to guidance from emergency responders about whether it’s still possible to evacuate.

In such cases, shelter in place and take immediate protective actions, such as moving to higher ground during a flood or a windowless interior room during a tornado.

Priorities During an Evacuation

When disaster strikes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Stick to these priorities:

1. Life Over Belongings: Your safety and that of your loved ones come first. Material possessions can be replaced.
2. Stay Calm: Panic leads to mistakes. Stay focused on what needs to be done.
3. Communicate: Inform family members or friends about your plans and destination.

Final Thoughts: Be Ready TODAY

Preparedness is the key to successful evacuation. By taking time to plan now, you’ll minimize stress and risk when the unexpected happens. Assemble your emergency kit, develop an evacuation plan, and practice drills with your family. Remember, when it comes to emergencies, readiness saves lives.

What FEMA Is and Is Not Responsible for During an Emergency

During severe natural disasters, people are often critical of FEMA, whether they think they’re not doing enough or they’re handling the disaster poorly. But many don’t fully understand what FEMA’s role in these emergency situations is. 

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts in the United States. However, there are clear boundaries for its responsibilities. Let’s discuss what FEMA is and isn’t responsible for during emergencies.

READ: What FEMA Is and Is Not Responsible for During an Emergency

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