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Evacuating and seeking shelter

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Evacuation
In some cases, it may be necessary to evacuate your home or neighborhood. City officials will tell you when to evacuate through the media and direct warnings. Evacuation is used as a last resort when a serious threat to public safety exists.

Be prepared to evacuate:

• If there is time, secure your home: Close and lock windows and doors, and unplug appliances before you leave. Authorities will instruct you if it is necessary to turn off utilities.
• Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing such as pants and long-sleeved shirts.
• Bring your Go Bag with you. ( essential items to self sustain for 1st 72 hours of an emergency )
• Know your workplace, school and child's school evacuation plan.
• Remember, evacuation routes change based on the emergency so stay tuned to local news for the latest information.
• Lock your home.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• If you're SURE you have time, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving; make arrangements for your pets; post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Post contact information inside your residence where you are stayingÊ in the event you have evacuatedÊ and with a close family member or friend

Shelter in Place
When evacuation to shelters is neither appropriate nor possible, you may be asked to stay where you are. Sheltering in place is an alternative way to protect yourself in many emergencies involving contaminated air. However, you should only do so if directed by emergency officials.

If you are asked to "shelter in place":

• Go inside your home or the nearest appropriate facility (school, library, place of worship, etc.)
• Take shelter in a room that has few doors or windows. Ideally, a room to shelter in place should allow at least 10 square feet per person.
• Seal all doors and windows.
• Turn off all ventilation systems.
• Do not use the phone. Keep the phone line available for emergency calls.
• Stay tuned to your radio or television for emergency information and updates.
• Make use of your Go Bag and emergency supply kit.

Disaster Sheltering
Some emergencies may require that you leave your home and travel to an emergency shelter. Local officials will inform you when sheltering is necessary.

Disaster sheltering guidelines:

• If you can, try to seek shelter with friends or relatives outside the affected area.
• Evacuation shelters can be set up in schools, municipal buildings and places of worship. They provide basic food and water. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, special food and pre-filled prescriptions or other medications to shelters.
• Alcoholic beverages, firearms and illegal substances are not allowed in emergency shelters.
• You cannot bring pets to shelters. Only service animals are allowed.
• Take your Go Bag to the shelter with you.
• Cooperate with shelter managers and other people in order to make a difficult situation less stressful.
• Remember, shelter sites change based on the emergency so stay tuned to the local news.

Include your children in planning for an emergency. Teach them how to get help and what to do in different situations. Practice your family emergency plan with your children and quiz them about.

Every child should know:

• Family contact information for use in an emergency.
• Never to touch wires lying on the ground or hanging from poles.
• How to identify the smell of gas. Tell them that if they smell it, they should tell a grown-up or leave the building.
• How and when to call 911. Information to know about your child's school or daycare facility:
• Find out what your child's school does in the event of an emergency and know the school's emergency plans.
• Find out where you can pick up your child during an evacuation.
• Ensure that the school has up to date contact information for you and at least one other relative or friend.
• Find out if you can authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency if you cannot. Go bag:
• Pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys in your family's "go bag."

Reassurance:

• Children are especially vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster and may exhibit excessive fear or the dark, crying, fear or being alone and constant worry. Reassure children that they are safe. Encourage them to talk about their fears, emphasize that they are not responsible for what happened, and comfort them.

Tips for Pet Owners
Pet owners should include provisions for their pet in a household disaster plan. Please note that pets are not allowed in shelters (only service animals are allowed in shelters). Therefore, it is important that you have a plan for your pet in the case of an evacuation.

Pet emergency planning tips:

• Contact friends or relatives outside your area to see if they would be willing to accommodate you and your pets in an emergency. Also, ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they will look after your pet if you cannot return home due to a disaster.
• See if your vet or groomer provides shelter for animals during an emergency.
• Transport your pets in a carrier for the duration of the disaster. This makes pets feel safer and more secure.
• Know your pets' hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress.
• Make sure each pet has a license and an ID tag.