Evacuation

During some emergencies, you and your family may be asked to evacuate your home. An emergency evacuation/reception centre may be set up to provide shelter and food to people affected.

If there is a need to be evacuated, you would be given evacuation instructions by:

·         Local radio, television or Internet.

·         Emergency services driving through your neighbourhood using a loud speaker.

·         An emergency official knocking at your door.

If you expect to be evacuated during an emergency:

·         Check that your Go-Bags are ready to go.

·         Let others know where you're going.

·         Keep phone lines open for use by emergency workers.

·         Monitor local media for emergency instructions and current information.

·         If you are instructed to do so, and know how, shut off water, gas and electricity.

·         Follow local government instructions. If you are asked to evacuate, do so promptly. Travel only on routes specified by officials. A shortcut could take you to a blocked or dangerous area.

·         If you are evacuated, register with the evacuation/reception centre, whether you decide to stay there or with friends, family, or at a hotel. Registration allows officials to contact you if necessary, and reunite you with your loved ones.

Even though evacuation/reception centres often provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitary facilities, you should plan to take your Go-Bags with you so that you have the supplies you require. These shelters involve living with many people in a confined space, which can be challenging. To avoid conflicts in this stressful situation, it is important to cooperate with shelter managers and others assisting them. And remember, evacuation/reception centres do not allow pets, so be sure to make other arrangements for the care of your pet. (Working animals are, of course, excepted from this rule.)

The length of time you are required to shelter will vary according to the situation. It is important that you stay sheltered until local authorities say it is safe to leave.