When officials tell you to evacuate, the worst time to start planning is the moment you hear the order. A simple, written evacuation plan removes the guesswork and panic from an already stressful moment.
Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood in case your primary route is blocked. Practice driving both, especially if you have a longer or less familiar option.
Local phone lines can get congested during a large-scale emergency. Choose a relative or friend outside your immediate area as a check-in contact, and pick an out-of-town meeting point in case household members get separated.
A go-bag is a smaller, grab-and-go version of your home kit: a few days of clothing, medications, chargers, copies of important documents, and cash. Keep it by the door or in your car.
Many public shelters require proof of vaccination for pets. Keep a copy of vaccination records with your go-bag, along with a leash, carrier, and a few days of pet food.
Keep your gas tank at least half full during periods of elevated risk (hurricane season, wildfire season, etc.) — gas stations can run out or lose power during mass evacuations.
This guide is general information. In an actual event, always follow evacuation orders and routes designated by local officials, who have real-time information your household plan can't account for.