How to Plan a Local Evacuation Before You Need One

Know your local risks

No two communities face the same hazards. Ready.gov points to FEMA's National Risk Index as a tool to understand natural hazard risk where you live, and recommends learning the types of disasters likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation and shelter plans for each.

Many states have designated evacuation zones and predetermined evacuation routes; Ready.gov recommends checking your state and county emergency management websites. Knowing whether your home is in a zone is one of the most valuable facts you can have before a storm.

Understand watches and warnings

Alert wording matters. For floods, the National Weather Service uses a Flood Watch to mean conditions are favorable for flooding (be prepared), and a Flood Warning or Flash Flood Warning to mean flooding is imminent or occurring (take action). A Flash Flood Warning in a flood-prone area means moving immediately to high ground (NWS).

Ready.gov recommends signing up for alerts from local emergency management and the National Weather Service. Always follow the instructions of local officials.

Choose destinations and routes in advance

Ready.gov recommends identifying several places you could go, such as a friend's home in another town or a motel, in different directions so you have options. Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation, and remember that depending on the disaster your route may be on foot.

• Keep at least a half tank of gas at all times, and a full tank if evacuation seems likely; gas stations may be closed or unable to pump during power outages (Ready.gov).
• Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion (Ready.gov).
• If you do not have a car, plan with family, friends or your local emergency management office now (Ready.gov).
• Follow recommended routes; do not take shortcuts, which may be blocked, and do not drive into flooded areas (Ready.gov).

Where are emergency shelters near my home?

Open shelters depend on the event, so they are usually announced during an emergency rather than fixed in advance. Ready.gov recommends checking with local officials about what shelter spaces are available each year. During an active disaster, the FEMA App lists open shelters in your area, and you can search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 (standard rates apply) (Ready.gov).

Ready.gov notes that mass care shelters often provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitary facilities, but you should still bring your emergency supply kit. All shelters accept service animals, but many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so identify a pet-friendly place to stay before you need it.

Pack a go-bag and a household plan

Ready.gov recommends a go-bag you can carry if you evacuate on foot or by public transportation, plus supplies for longer trips by car. Make sure everyone knows where the bag is stored and who is responsible for it. Your plan should also include how you will stay in touch if separated and a meeting place.

• Your emergency supply kit, medications and copies of important documents (Ready.gov).
• A battery-powered radio to follow evacuation instructions (Ready.gov).
• Sturdy shoes and protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeves (Ready.gov).
• Contact details for an out-of-state contact, so you can tell them where you are going (Ready.gov).

Plan for everyone in the household

A plan that works for one adult may not work for a household with young children, older relatives or someone with a disability. Ready.gov recommends tailoring your plan to your household's specific needs, including different ages, responsibilities for assisting others, dietary and medical needs (including prescriptions and equipment), disabilities or access and functional needs, languages spoken, pets or service animals, and school-aged children.

The FCC's recommended practices for people with disabilities include registering with your local police department so they have a record of help you may need during an evacuation or power outage, and agreeing with any personal care attendant how you will communicate if separated. Ready.gov also recommends checking with neighbors who may need a ride when you leave.

• List each person's medications, devices and who is responsible for them (Ready.gov).
• Know your children's school or childcare reunification arrangements (Ready.gov lists school-aged children as a planning factor).
• Arrange a pet-friendly destination in advance, since many public shelters do not allow pets (Ready.gov).

When it's time to leave, and when you return

Ready.gov advises leaving early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. If time allows: lock doors and windows, unplug small electronics, and leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. Shut off water, gas and electricity only if there is damage and you are instructed to. Leave a note saying when you left and where you are going, and check with neighbors who may need a ride.

Before returning, check with officials both where you are staying and back home. Ready.gov recommends letting friends and family know when you leave and arrive, charging devices and carrying backup batteries in case outages continue, filling your gas tank, and bringing water and non-perishable food for the drive. Avoid downed power lines, which may be live, and only use generators outside and away from your home (Ready.gov).