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In a fire or other emergency you may need to evacuate on a moment's notice. Be ready to get out fast. Develop an escape by drawing a floor plan of your residence. Show the location of doors, windows, stairways, large furniture, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid kits and utility shut-off points.
Indicate at least two escape routes from each room, and mark a place outside of the home where household members. If you or someone in your household uses a wheelchair, make more than one exit from your home wheelchair accessible in case the primary exit is blocked in a disaster.
Include important points outside such as garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways and porches. If your home has more than two floors, use an additional sheet of paper. Practice emergency evacuation drills at lease once a year.
An extensive evacuation can have considerable impact on the surrounding area, including:
You should be aware that a mass evacuation could strain the ability of local resources; therefore, you should be as self-reliant as possible in your planning and emergency response preparations.
In an emergency, local officials often advise individuals to either: Seek an established shelter or "Shelter in Place."
Usually, people are advised to seek an established shelter when that area is at risk of a specific and immediate danger such as flood, landslide or a chemical spill. Shelters are organized and staffed by trained emergency response workers and the American Red Cross, usually a combination of professionals and volunteers, to support the physical needs of the people who must evacuate their homes. It is extremely important that you evacuate to a shelter when advised to do so by your local emergency authority.
In many circumstances, individuals in areas not directly at risk will be asked to Shelter-in-Place, usually at home, school or work. This option is also used when the outside environment is too dangerous for safe travel.
There are many reasons why Sheltering in Place should be the first option during emergencies. A community is safer if as few people as possible are traveling during an emergency.
You should be prepared to leave your home or office and seek public shelter if:
As part of your emergency planning and preparation you should:
If you must evacuate, remember to take:
