1. Be Red Cross Ready
Evacuation Planning Checklist
In certain disaster situations it may be Should I Stay or Should I Go?
necessary to get out of the area completely or
evacuate. Evacuations occur many times a  Keep monitoring local radio, TV and the internet for updates.
year due to hurricanes, floods, wildfires,
chemical spills and other disasters. Being  If local officials tell you to evacuate immediately, grab your
prepared ahead of time by having a plan can emergency kit and go.
make evacuation time less stressful and help  If you have more time, prepare your home and check your
to save lives. emergency supplies.
Planning for the possibility of
When evacuation is imminent Immediate evacuation
evacuation
Preparing for an emergency before If you have time before leaving and If you have only moments before leaving,
there is a threat of disaster will lessen local officials have not advised an grab your emergency kit and go.
stress and anxiety when it is time to immediate evacuation, prepare your
take action. home before evacuating.  Evacuate immediately if told to do so by
authorities.
Keep basic emergency supplies in an Quickly take steps to protect your home  Listen to a local radio or television station and
easy-to-carry emergency preparedness and belongings. Depending on the follow the instructions of local emergency
kit that you can take with you in case threat, you should: officials.
you must evacuate.
 Put your emergency preparedness kit in  Leave as soon as possible, preferably in
your vehicle or by the door if you are being daylight. Evacuation will probably take longer
•Water—one gallon per person, per day
picked up or may be leaving on foot. than expected. Give yourself plenty of time.
(3-day supply) • Food—non-perishable,
easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply) •  In some disaster situations, such as  If an evacuation is ordered you should expect
Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank tsunami or wild fire, it may be better to the following:
radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) • leave by foot than wait for  High volume of traffic on roads
Extra batteries • First aid kit • Medications (7- transportation.
day supply) and medical items • Multipurpose  Large amounts of people at airports, train
 Carry what you can, selecting the items stations, metro stations and other areas of
tool • Sanitation and personal hygiene items • most essential to your health and
Copies of personal documents (medication list public transportation
safety.
and pertinent medical information, proof of  Possibility that cell phone calls will not go
address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth
 Bring items you think you will need for through due to high usage - texting may be
a prolonged stay away from home. easier
certificates, insurance policies) • Cell phone
with chargers • Family and emergency contact  Tell your out-of-area contact person where  Many stores and businesses closed or out of
information • Extra cash • Emergency blanket you are going and when you expect to get products
• Map(s) of the area there.
 Bring things indoors; lawn furniture, trash  ATMs out of cash
cans, children's toys, garden equipment,  If it is impossible for you to take your
Make an evacuation plan that considers clotheslines, hanging plants and any other emergency preparedness kit, try to take the
your household, children, pets and objects that may be blown around or following:
anyone else that you are responsible
swept away.  First aid kit, including prescription
for.
 Look for potential hazards, such as medications, dentures, eyeglasses and
This evacuation plan should include: coconuts, unripened fruit and other hearing aid batteries as needed
 A meeting place in case you are objects in trees around your property that  A change of clothes and a sleeping bag or
separated in an emergency and could blow or break off and fly around in blankets for each household member
evacuation has been ordered. The strong winds. Cut these objects off and  Flashlight, radio and water
meeting spot should be outside of your store them indoors until the storm is over.
neighborhood in case you cannot return  Car keys and house keys
 Turn off electricity at the main fuse or
home. breaker and turn off water at the main  Cash and personal identification
 Routes to get to the meeting point, valve.  Any pets that you can get without
including alternate routes and modes of  Leave natural gas on, unless local officials endangering yourself. It may be too
transportation. advise otherwise, because you will need it dangerous to come back for them later.
 A communication plan for every for heating and cooking when you return  Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and
household member, including children. home. If you turn gas off, a licensed sturdy shoes. The most common injury
Plan for the possibility that phones lines professional is required to turn it back on, following disasters is cut feet.
will be down. Make sure that everyone and it may take weeks for a professional to  Secure your home as you normally would
has an emergency contact card on hand. respond. when leaving for an extended period.
 Clear division of responsibilities for each  Turn off propane gas service valves.  Use travel routes specified by local officials.
person (for example, who will grab the Propane tanks often become damaged or Since certain areas may be impassable or
emergency kit and who will get the kids dislodged in disasters. dangerous, avoid shortcuts.
from school or daycare, etc.).  Unplug electronic devices and turn off all
 Your car should have at least half a tank utilities except the natural gas (unless advised
of gas as gas stations may be closed or otherwise).
out of fuel in an emergency.  Get in touch with your out-of-area contact
 Consider your transportation needs if you person and let them know where you will be
do not have a car; make plans with a going and when you expect to get there.
neighbor, friend or someone else that can
easily get to you.
Let Your Family Know You’re Safe
If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well
Web site, available through RedCross.org/SafeandWell, to let your family and friends know
about your welfare. You may also call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.
For more information about emergency evacuation, visit RedCross.org.