Know where to go
Know where to go
Why?
If you’ve never had to evacuate, it’s hard to imagine what it’s like. But planning your destination and routes ahead of time may ease your mind and, in the event of an emergency, make the evacuation go so much more smoothly.
Choose meeting places
Although evacuation shelters may be available during a disaster, it’s ideal to seek shelter with family or friends. Identify two or three choices, get their okay, and then make sure your whole family has their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Call before you go in case the space is not available.
If you own large animals, have a way to safely transport them and know where you can go for shelter. The Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa and the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma can usually take them.
Resources:
Fill in information on the evacuation page of your Personal Emergency Plan[PDF].
Map out multiple routes
Once you’ve agreed on potential meeting places, plan the best route to each location. Find other routes in case the preferred routes are not available.
Print out maps for both primary and alternate routes.
Resources:
See evacuation page of your Personal Emergency Plan [PDF].
Know who you will go with
If you can transport yourself, check with neighbors about their planning needs and assess if anyone will need your assistance.
If you cannot transport yourself, who will drive you? This can be your caregiver, a family member, a neighbor, or a public/commercial paratransit. Have multiple methods of transportation as the disaster may make it difficult or impossible for your first choice to get to you. Make sure they can accommodate your needs, such as provide space for a wheelchair.
If all else fails, call 9-1-1. But remember, first responders may be overwhelmed by the disaster (and may be poorly equipped to handle disabilities). Use them only as a last resort.