If officials tell you to evacuate, you must leave
Here is what you need to do
- Stay calm. Do exactly what officials tell you to do.
- If there is time, secure your home. Close and lock windows and doors. Unplug appliances before you leave. Officials will tell you if you need to turn off utilities.
- Let friends and relatives know where you are going.
- Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Grab your Go Bag (See Below)
- Do NOT use an elevator during a fire or other emergency.
- Stay tuned to KYW 1060 AM for the latest evacuation routes and other information.
- Get to the nearest shelter or safe place as soon as you can.
Whether officials tell you to Shelter in Place or Evacuate will depend upon the conditions expected in your area. If you do not receive specific instructions to evacuate, you should Shelter in Place.
Make special arrangements for pets if evacuating to a public shelter since only service animals are accepted in shelters.
Grab your Family GO BAG
Prepare a Go Bag for your household – things you’ll need if officials tell you to evacuate. Your Go Bag should be easy to carry – a backpack or small suitcase on wheels. Keep your Go Bag in a place where you can get to it easily, in case you have to leave in a hurry.
Items for your Go Bag
- Copies of your important documents, such as insurance cards, photo IDs, birth certificates, deeds, and proof of address, in a waterproof and portable container
- Extra set of car and house keys
- Credit and ATM cards
- Cash, especially in small bills like ones, fives and tens.
- Bottled water and food that will not easily perish, such as energy or granola bars
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.)
- Medication: be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Also keep copies of all prescriptions, and your doctors’ and pharmacist’s contact information.
- First-aid kit
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a mylar blanket
- Contact and meeting place information for your household.
- A small regional map
- Personal care items: hand sanitizer, feminine products, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wipes
- Child care supplies or other special care items