EVACUATION

• If you smell gas, smoke, see fire or otherwise fear for your safety, evacuate all household occupants immediately.  Get to a safe location (your pre-planned meeting place) and call 911.

IF GENERAL EVACUATION ORDERS ARE GIVEN

The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the emergency.  If it is a weather related condition, like a hurricane, you may have a day or two to prepare.  Sadly, with many disasters, there is no time to gather even the most basic necessities and that is why it is imperative to plan ahead.

• Have everyone get their Go Bag/ Emergency Kit.
• If local officials issue evacuation orders, use the evacuation routes and methods specified; carpool whenever possible.
• Get your car keys, credit cards, road maps, cell phone and charger, and list of important numbers. (Some of these things may already be in your Go Bag.)
• If you have a pet, make sure it is wearing a collar.  Bring it in a pet carrier labeled with your name and the pet's name.  Bring your pet's Go Bag, too.
• Once you arrive at a safe location, call your out of area emergency contact.

If time allows:

• Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirts and pants.
• Leave a note or tell a neighbor where you are going.
• Shut off the water and electricity, but leave the gas on unless instructed to turn it off.

DISASTER SHELTERS

Immediately following a large disaster, suitable shelter sites will be selected form a pre-designated list based on areas of need and estimated numbers of displaced persons.  Each site must be inspected for safety prior to being opened to the public.  Therefore, it is not possible to say with advance certainty which sites will actually operate as disaster shelters.  As soon as disaster sites have been formally designated, the list will be announced through local media to the public.

If it is unsafe to shelter-in-place and you do not have an alternative, evacuate to a designated emergency shelter.

• Take your Go Bag/Emergency Kit with you.
• Tell your out of area contact where you are going.
• Initially, emergency shelters may not be able to provide basic supplies and materials.  Consider bringing extra items (e.g. blankets, pillows, air mattress, towels, washcloths, diapers, food and supplies for infants).
• If you have not already made other plans, bring your pet, but realize that only service animals are allowed in "human" shelters. If you have to bring your pet to the shelter, Animal Care and Control staff will be available to hlep with pet sheltering needs. Don't forget to bring your pet's Go Bag.