Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place

Local authorities may issue directives such as ‘Evacuation' or ‘Shelter-in-Place' to protect the public.

Evacuations

Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.

If you are directed to evacuate, take:

• your emergency kit
• your emergency plan
• essential medications, assistive devices and copies of prescriptions
• a cellular phone and charger
• your pets and their supplies

Protect your home:

• Shut off water and electricity if officials tell you to
• Leave natural gas service on, unless officials tell you to turn it off. (If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond. You would be without gas for heating and cooking)
• Lock your home

If you have time:

• Call or e-mail your out-of-town contact. Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Once you are safe, let them know

If you are driving in emergency conditions:

• Keep the radio on to hear important updates
• Follow the routes specified by officials
• Don't take short cuts; they could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area
• Watch for fallen power lines, debris, damaged bridges or roads and dangling wires

Shelter-in-Place

Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location when there is a threat to personal safety. Listen for updates and follow the officials' instructions.

Emergencies that require shelter-in-place include:

• A chemical spill
• A tornado
• A severe winter storm
• Event that could harm the public (ie. dangerous predator)

If the emergency is related to an environmental hazard:

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors
• Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems to avoid drawing in air from the outside
• Close the fireplace damper
• Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working
• Go to an interior room that's above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed
• Using duct or other wide tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room
• Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate