Get Ready & Prepare

Plan to Evacuate

Many kinds of emergencies can cause you to have to evacuate. In some cases, you may have a day or two to prepare while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning is vital to making sure that you can evacuate quickly and safely no matter what the circumstances.

Before an Evacuation

• Stay informed by registering for Emergency Alerts to receive area-specific emergency information, including evacuation orders and sheltering information.
• Learn the types of hazards are that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation and shelter plans for each specific disaster.
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. Come up with a family/household plan to stay in touch in case you become separated; have a meeting place and update it depending on the circumstance.
• Identify several places you could go in an emergency such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency.
• If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals. Contact the SPCA of Monterey County to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.
• Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.
• Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation. Prepare a“go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling longer distances if you have a car.
• If you have a car:
  • Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
  • Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car.
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Decide with family, friends or your local emergency management office to see what resources may be available.

During an Evacuation

During an emergency if your life or safety is threatened and you need to evacuate, move away from the threat and follow official instructions. You should assess the situation and listen to officials to make informed decisions about your safety. If you are told by officials to evacuate, you should follow their lawful order. If you feel unsafe or your life is threatened, do not wait for an emergency alert and leave immediately. First responders may not be able to reach you in some emergencies.

Evacuating the area early helps first responders keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. People with disabilities or access and functional needs should consider leaving during an Evacuation Warning to allow for more time.

When evacuating keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped.
• Take your pets with you but understand that only service animals may be allowed in public shelters.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
• If time allows:
  • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going. Leave a note saying when you left, your route, and destination.
  • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
  • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
  • Check with neighbors who may need a ride. Carpool when possible to help avoid congestion.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts,they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

Once you have safely evacuated, go to a loved one's home, stay with a friend, or go to a hotel, if possible. Make sure to pick a location that is accessible to all, including pets and those with disabilities. If you have nowhere else to go, go to a evacuation shelter. Public shelters may open to help meet basic needs after large disasters.

If you are trapped, you are better protected inside a building or vehicle. Evacuate on foot only as a last resort. Stay calm and use your cell phone to call 911 in order to advise officials on your location.

After an Evacuation

If you evacuated, check with local officials before you return home.

• If you are returning to disaster-affected areas, after significant events prepare for disruptions to daily activities and remember that returning home before storm debris is cleared is dangerous.
• Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
• Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
• Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
• Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines, they may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Only use generators outside and away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home's electrical system.

Additional Resources

• CAL FIRE Wildfire Evacuation Information
• Evacuation Checklist
• Tips for Evacuation