Evacuation: leaving home safely

Plan now

• Choose several places to go in different directions: family, friends, a hotel or an official shelter.
• Agree a meeting place and a contact person far away that everyone checks in with.
• Learn more than one route out. If you have no car, arrange a lift now with family, friends or local services.
• Turn on emergency alerts on your phone.

Keep a go-bag ready

• Pack the essentials so you do not have to scramble: water, food, medicines, documents, phone charger, torch, cash, clothes.
• Keep it where everyone knows, and decide who grabs it.
• If you drive, keep a small kit in the car and at least half a tank of fuel. Petrol stations may close during outages.

When officials tell you to leave

• Follow official instructions. The route may be on foot.
• Leave early. Take your go-bag and emergency kit.
• Take one car per family to reduce traffic.

Before you walk out the door

1. Close and lock doors and windows.
2. Unplug small appliances. Leave the fridge on unless flooding is likely.
3. If officials say so, turn off water, gas and electricity.
4. Leave a note saying when you left and where you are going.
5. Tell your contact person where you are heading.
6. Check whether neighbours need a lift.
7. Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves.

Pets

Take your pets with you. Many public shelters only accept service animals, so plan a pet-friendly place in advance.

On the road

Use the official routes; shortcuts may be blocked. Watch for damaged roads and fallen power lines, and never drive into floodwater.

Coming back

Only return when officials say it is safe. Tell family when you leave and when you arrive.