Understanding Different Types of Evacuations

Inside a bus with purple seats and red poles, a person is sitting wearing a black jacket and a gray and black beanie, facing away.

Understanding Different Types of Evacuations

Immediate Evacuation (seconds to 2 minutes):

  • House fire

  • Gas smell/explosion risk

  • Carbon monoxide alarm

  • Immediate earthquake danger (aftershocks)

Action needed: GET OUT NOW. Don't stop to grab anything.

Urgent Evacuation (minutes to hours):

  • Approaching wildfire

  • Flash flood warning

  • Severe storm approaching (tornado warning)

  • Hazmat spill nearby

Action needed: Grab go-bags, pets, critical medications, and go.

Planned Evacuation (hours to days):

  • Hurricane approaching

  • Wildfire watch (before it's urgent)

  • Flood watch

  • Planned utility shutoff requiring temporary relocation

Action needed: Prepare home, pack thoroughly, secure valuables, follow evacuation routes.

Your plan needs to address all three types.

Creating Your Home Evacuation Plan