Evacuation Plan Checklist

Use these checklists to ensure you and your family stay safe before, during and after emergencies.

  • Plan how you will evacuate and where you will go if you need to evacuate.
  • Identify a number of places you could go in an emergency, for example family or friends’ homes.
  • Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
  • Develop a family plan so that you can maintain contact and re-unite if you are separated.
  • Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation.
  • If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate.
  • Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car.
  • Follow local evacuation instructions.
  • Take your emergency supply kit.
  • Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters.
  • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows (if time allows).
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as televisions and small appliances (if time allows).
  • Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
  • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines.
  • Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
  • Fill up your gas tank.
  • Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.