Special Evacuation Considerations

A girl with long black hair wearing a striped shirt standing under dark, stormy clouds with a small airplane flying in the sky.

Step 5: Special Evacuation Considerations

Earthquake Evacuations

Different from fire:

  • Primary danger is falling objects, not staying inside

  • "Drop, Cover, Hold On" during shaking

  • Evacuate AFTER shaking stops

  • Watch for aftershocks

  • Check for gas leaks before re-entering

After earthquake:

  • Exit carefully (watch for damaged structure)

  • Avoid downed power lines

  • Meet at predetermined spot

  • Don't re-enter until inspected

Practice earthquake evacuation:

  • "Drop" drill first (under desk, interior doorframe)

  • Then practice post-quake evacuation

  • Emphasize waiting until shaking stops

Severe Weather Evacuations

Tornado:

  • Evacuate to lowest floor interior room

  • AWAY from windows

  • Under sturdy furniture if possible

  • NOT outside

Hurricane:

  • Usually planned evacuation before it hits

  • If caught at home, go to interior room on lowest floor

  • Stay away from windows

  • Have supplies with you in the shelter room

Severe storms:

  • Often safer to shelter in place

  • Know your safe rooms (interior, lowest floor)

  • Avoid windows

  • Have weather radio

Fire-Specific Evacuation Tips

If clothes catch fire:

  • Stop, Drop, and Roll

  • Cover face with hands

  • Roll until flames out

  • Cool burn with water

  • Get medical help

If trapped in room:

  • Close door

  • Seal gaps with clothes/towels

  • Open window slightly for air (not if smoke coming in)

  • Signal from window

  • Wait for rescue

If crawling through smoke:

  • Stay as low as possible

  • Breathe through cloth

  • Keep one hand on wall to stay oriented

  • Know your route before smoke fills hallway

Creating Your Home Evacuation Plan