Evacuation

In the event of an emergency, local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. If you are told to evacuate, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions. If you are sure you have time, call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Shut off water and electricity, but leave natural gas ON unless local officials advise you otherwise. Only a professional can restore gas service once it is turned off, and this could take weeks in a disaster situation. If you must choose quickly what to take with you, grab these things and go: medical supplies, disaster supplies (flashlight, batteries, radio, first-aid kit, and bottled water), a change of clothes, sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each family member, and car and house keys.
If you plan to travel by car, become familiar now with alternate travel routes you can use to avoid congested main arteries in the event of an emergency. Remember, it is against the law to drive on the shoulder of the road. Shoulders are reserved for police, fire and rescue vehicles.