Security · 1 hour · Basic
Make a Family Evacuation Plan
Prepare destinations, alternate routes, paper contacts and responsibilities before a hurried departure separates your household.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Do not travel on closed or visibly unsafe routes. Never walk or drive through floodwater.
- 01
Know your alerts
Sign up for local emergency notifications and identify local hazards. Find out how your community announces evacuation orders and shelter locations.
- 02
Pick destinations and routes
Choose a relative's home or an official shelter and more than one possible route. Confirm current routes and shelter information with local authorities; plans must adapt to the actual emergency.
- 03
Choose an out-of-area contact
Write a contact number and meeting locations on cards for each household member. Agree how to reconnect if separated; do not depend on one charged phone holding the entire plan.
- 04
Assign responsibilities
Decide who helps children, older adults, disabled household members and pets, and who gathers medicines and documents. Arrange accessible transportation and check shelter pet policies in advance.
- 05
Pack and practice
Keep essentials ready: medicines, identification, safe water, suitable food, chargers and specific care supplies. Rehearse departure and revise the plan when your household changes. Leave promptly when officials instruct you.