Some emergencies may require that you leave your home and travel to an emergency shelter. Plan how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go.
If you must evacuate, here is what you need to do:
Stay calm. Do exactly what you officials tell you to do.
Listen to KYW 1060 AM radio for instructions.
Grab your Go Bag.
Stay inside your home until officials tell you it is okay to leave. Lock all doors and windows. When told, leave in an orderly fashion. Tie a white rag around your doorknob when everyone is out. When Police see this white rag, they will know that everyone is out safely and will watch your home.
If you are disabled or need medical attention, call 9-1-1 to let the Police and Fire Departments know you need help.
Officials may ask you to drive your car, go with a neighbor, or go to a place to get on a bus.
Other family members who are not home may call the Red Cross (1-877-733-2767) to find out where you are.
Whether officials tell you to Shelter in Place or Evacuate will depend upon the conditions expected in your area. If you do not receive instructions, then you should Shelter in Place.
Grab Your GO BAG
Everyone in your home should have a Go Bag – things you’ll need if officials tell you to evacuate. Your Go Bag should be easy to carry – a backpack or small suitcase on wheels. Keep your Go Bag in a place where you can get to it easily, in case you have to leave in a hurry.
Items for your Go Bag:
Copies of your important documents (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)in a waterproof and portable container
Extra set of car and house keys
Credit and ATM cards
Cash, especially in small bills like ones, fives and tens. We recommend you keep at least $50-$100 on hand.
Bottled water and food that will not easily perish, such as energy or granola bars
Flashlight and extra batteries
Wind up or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries
Medication. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.
Personal care items: soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products
Child care supplies or other special care items
First-aid kit
Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a mylar blanket
Contact and meeting place information for your household
