What to Do If You Receive an Emergency Evacuation Order

An emergency evacuation order is issued when imminent danger—such as a wildfire, severe flood, hurricane, or hazardous material spill—threatens human life. When authorities order an evacuation, time is your most critical asset. Moving quickly and calmly saves lives.

Emergency Warning

If you are in immediate physical danger, call local emergency services (such as 911) right away. Do not wait for a formal door-to-door warning if you see active fire, rapidly rising water, or hazardous fumes; evacuate immediately.

Step-by-Step Evacuation Actions

1. Evacuate at once: If a mandatory evacuation order is given, leave immediately. Do not stay behind to protect physical property.
2. Grab essential emergency items: Take your pre-packed emergency kit (Go Bag), essential prescription medications, personal identification, wallet, phone, chargers, and pets with their supplies.
3. Secure your home quickly: Lock all exterior doors and windows. Turn off main utility switches (gas, water, electricity) only if explicitly instructed to do so by local public safety officials.
4. Follow official evacuation routes: Drive or travel only along designated emergency routes. Avoid taking unverified shortcuts, as secondary roads may be blocked by fallen trees, downed power lines, or deep water.
5. Stay informed on official channels: Keep a battery-powered emergency radio or mobile emergency alerts active to receive real-time updates from local emergency management authorities.
6. Check in when safe: Once you arrive at a designated emergency shelter or safe destination, check in with shelter coordinators or notify loved ones so they know you are safe.

What NOT to Do

• Do not delay your departure: Never wait until the last minute to gather non-essential personal belongings or perform non-urgent chores.
• Do not drive through flooded areas: Turn around, don't drown. Fast-moving water as shallow as six inches can knock you down or stall a vehicle.
• Do not ignore official warnings: Treat evacuation orders with immediate urgency. Remaining behind puts emergency responders at severe risk if rescue becomes necessary.
• Do not return home early: Never re-enter an evacuated area until public safety agencies have formally declared the zone safe for re-entry.

When to Call for Emergency Help

Call local emergency services immediately if you or someone with you becomes trapped, injured, or unable to evacuate independently due to mobility constraints or road blockages. State your exact location and situation clearly to the dispatcher.

Always prioritize human life over property. This guide provides general emergency preparedness information and is not a substitute for real-time instructions given by local emergency managers and first responders. In an emergency, follow official local orders and contact emergency services immediately.