How to Evacuate Your Home When You Haven’t Prepared to Leave

Emergencies can strike without warning leaving you with little time to react. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, flood or other crisis, evacuating your home without prior preparation can be overwhelming.

The good news is that with a calm and methodical approach you can leave safely even in unprepared circumstances. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you evacuate quickly and efficiently:

1. Stay Calm and Gather Information

The first step is to stay calm and avoid panic. Clear thinking is essential to act effectively in an emergency.

• Listen to official announcements: Turn on your local news, radio and use your phone to check for emergency alerts and evacuation orders

• Understand the situation: Determine the nature of the threat (fire, flood, etc.) and the time frame you have to leave

• Know your exit routes: Familiarize yourself with recommended evacuation routes. If no official guidance is provided, use maps to identify multiple ways out of your area in case of road closures.

2. Prioritize Essentials

With little time to prepare focus on gathering the essentials you’ll need for safety and survival.

The Five Essentials to Pack:

• 1. Identification and Documents

  • Grab IDs, passports, medical records, insurance policies and any other important papers

  • If possible place them in a waterproof bag or at least a ziplock

• 2. Medications and Medical Supplies

  • Bring all prescription medications, over-the-counter essentials and medical devices (eg. inhalers, insulin, EpiPens)

• 3. Money and Credit Cards

  • Have cash in small bills and your credit/debit cards on hand

• 4. Clothing and Hygiene Items

  • Pack a change of clothes for each family member, sturdy shoes, socks and jackets and basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

• 5. Food and Water

  • Take non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts) and as much bottled water as you can carry (aim for 1 gallon per person if possible).

3. Secure Your Home

If time permits, take steps to protect your home and reduce damage during your absence.

• Shut off utilities: Turn off gas, water and electricity to minimize risks like gas leaks or electrical fires

• Close windows and doors: Lock up your home and secure any openings to prevent damage or looting

• Move valuables to a safe place: Elevate important items to higher ground if there’s a risk of flooding. Either take valuables like jewelry with you or lock in a safe it you have one

• Leave a note: If practical, leave a note indicating your evacuation destination in case emergency responders need to find you

4. Plan for Transportation

• Use your vehicle if you have one: Fill the gas tank if time allows and bring a phone charger for navigation and communication

• Carpool with neighbors: If you don’t have a car, or yours in inaccessible, ask neighbors or friends for assistance

• Public transportation: Check if local authorities have arranged buses or other transportation for evacuees

5. Communicate Your Plans

Ensure that someone knows your situation and where you’re heading.

• Inform family and friends: Call or text your evacuation plans to loved ones

• Keep your phone charged: Bring a portable power bank or charger to maintain communication

• Stay updated: Monitor emergency alerts for changes in evacuation orders or conditions

6. Keep Safety in Mind While Traveling

• Stick to recommended routes: Avoid shortcuts or unpaved roads unless absolutely necessary

• Drive cautiously: Be mindful of debris, downed power lines or heavy traffic

• Stay together: If you’re evacuating with family or a group, ensure no one gets separated

7. Learn from the Experience

Once you’re safely out of harm’s way take steps to prepare for future emergencies. Use this experience as motivation to assemble a proper emergency kit and create an evacuation plan for your household.

• Build a Bug Out Bag: Include essentials such as water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and tools

• Establish a family communication plan: Designate meeting points and ensure everyone knows how to contact one another in an emergency

• Practice evacuation drills: Regularly rehearse how to leave your home quickly and efficiently

Final Thoughts

Evacuating your home without preparation is challenging, but by staying calm, prioritizing essentials and following evacuation orders, you can leave safely. Remember, the safety of you and your loved ones is the most important thing. Material possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot. Take this opportunity to reflect on what you can do to be better prepared for the future—because being ready is the best way to face the unexpected.