Stay or go?

Two decisions, planned in advance

In an emergency you'll either stay where you are or leave. Both can be the right call, and the wrong one can be dangerous. Deciding ahead of time which hazards mean which, and preparing for both, saves precious minutes.

When local officials give instructions, follow them. They know things you can't see from your window: which roads are open, where the fire or water is heading, and where shelters have space.

Know your local risks

• List the hazards where you live, work and go to school: floods, wildfire, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, winter storms, industrial sites, rail lines carrying chemicals, nuclear plants.
• Find out whether your home is in a flood zone or a wildfire evacuation zone, and learn your zone's name or number.
• Know how your area sends alerts: phone alerts, sirens, local radio and TV, your county's alert sign-up.

When to stay: sheltering in place

Sheltering in place means getting inside and staying there until officials say it's safe. The right spot depends on the threat.

• Tornado: go to a basement or storm shelter. Without one, use a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Get under something sturdy and cover your head.
• Hurricane (if you're not ordered to leave): stay in an interior room away from windows. Leave if officials order an evacuation, and never ride out a storm surge zone.
• Chemical release: get inside, close and lock windows and doors, and turn off fans, air conditioning and heating systems that draw in outside air. Go to an interior room with few windows. Seal gaps with plastic sheeting and tape only if officials tell you to.
• Radiation emergency: get inside, stay inside and stay tuned. Go to the basement or middle of a brick or concrete building, away from outside walls and the roof. Expect to stay at least 24 hours unless officials say otherwise. If you were outside, remove your outer clothing and wash.

When to go: evacuating

• If officials order an evacuation, leave right away. Waiting can mean flooded roads, traffic jams or fire cutting off your route.
• Leave early if you feel unsafe, have mobility needs, need a hospital-grade power source or have pets and livestock. You don't need to wait for an order.
• Never drive through flood water. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and about 12 inches can float a car. Turn around.
• Avoid downed power lines and roads blocked by debris. Follow the routes officials give, even if your navigation app suggests a shortcut.

Plan your routes and destinations

• Choose at least two routes out of your area in different directions, and mark them on a paper map. Phones and GPS may not work.
• Pick destinations: a friend or relative out of the area, a hotel, or a public shelter. Find out in advance which ones accept pets.
• Practice driving the routes once so they're familiar in the dark or in heavy rain.
• Plan for anyone without a car: talk with neighbors, and ask your local emergency management office about evacuation assistance.

Before you leave

If you have time, these steps protect your home and make the return easier. If you don't, just go.

• Grab go-bags, medicines, phones, chargers, documents and pets.
• Tell your out-of-area contact where you're going and your route.
• Lock doors and windows. Bring in outdoor furniture that could blow around.
• Unplug electronics. Turn off utilities only if officials tell you to. If you turn off natural gas, a professional must turn it back on.
• Leave a note saying when you left and where you went, if it's safe to do so.

Keep your vehicle ready

• Keep the gas tank at least half full during storm and fire seasons. Stations may close or lose power.
• Keep a car kit: water, snacks, a blanket, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, a phone charger and a paper map.
• If you don't drive, know who will pick you up, and how.

Coming home safely

• Return only when officials say it's safe.
• Watch for downed power lines and stay away from them. Report them to the utility.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave immediately and call the gas company from outside.
• Don't enter a building with structural damage, standing water touching electrical outlets, or a sagging roof.
• Wear sturdy shoes, gloves and a mask when cleaning up. Floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Photograph damage for insurance before you clean up.
• If you use a generator, run it outdoors only, 20 or more feet from the house.