Evacuate immediately when you:

-Are directed to do so by an emergency official.

-Are in immediate danger.

EVACUATION & SHELTER

Evacuation | Shelter in Place | Disaster Sheltering

Evacuation
In some cases, it may be nevessary 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.
  
• 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.

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 invoving 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. See TIPS FOR PET OWNERS if you have pets.
  
• 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.

(Adapted from Ready New York)