Step 7: Learn How to Evacuate
Evacuation is a protective action that may be ordered by emergency officials when there is a significant threat posed to a specific area or community. Causes of an evacuation could include a natural, accidental or human-caused disaster such as a chemical release, nuclear incident or severe weather.
When you should evacuate:
- Evacuate only when instructed to do so by your local emergency officials. In some cases it may be safer to remain inside (shelter-in-place).
- If ordered to evacuate listen to media reports to learn about areas being evacuated and which routes are safest to take.
How will I know to evacuate?
- Evacuation orders are typically broadcast through the media or delivered directly to homes and businesses by emergency responders, such as the police. Some areas are equipped with public alerting systems such as automated phone calling or in-home tone-alert radios. To learn more about notification in your community, please contact your local Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC).
What should you do if ordered to evacuate?
- Offer to assist neighbours who may not be able to evacuate on their own. If possible, make these arrangements in advance.
- Take your family emergency survival kit, important documents (e.g., medical and vaccination records) and your personal valuables (e.g., cash, credit cards).
- Evacuate the area affected by the emergency exactly as directed. Remain calm, do not speed and obey official directions as some roads may be closed or rerouted.
- Don’t take shortcuts. Doing so might lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.
- If evacuating during a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident, keep your car windows and vents closed and air-conditioner turned off.
- During some evacuations, you may be asked to report to a reception centre. These may be set up to check people and vehicles for contamination, record evacuee contact information or arrange for temporary housing.
- Avoid using the telephone unless you are reporting an emergency or it is absolutely necessary. Emergency responders and those who need immediate emergency assistance will need all available lines.
- Listen to media reports to stay informed about further announcements from your local emergency officials.
