Evacuation Fact Sheet

A sudden emergency involving chemicals, or hazardous materials, can force emergency officials to ask you to take immediate action to protect yourselves and your families. Evacuating means leaving the area that is affected by the potential hazard. Sometimes a chemical accident, such as an overturned tanker truck, will force people from their homes for health and safety reasons. If you are asked to evacuate, do the following:

• Remain calm.
• Listen carefully to the instructions you are given and be sure you are in an area that is being evacuated.
• If told to evacuate, do so!
• Do not use the phone except to dial 911 in a life-threatening situation.
• Take your “Disaster Supplies Kit” with you.
• DO NOT go to your children’s school. If they are in the evacuation area they will be taken care of. They will probably be gone by the time you get there.
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Turn off all fans, heating and cooling units.
• Bring pets indoors and leave food and water for them. Remember, pets ARE NOT allowed in emergency shelters!
• Keep vehicle windows and vents closed while evacuating.
• Follow instructions of emergency personnel along evacuation routes.
• Stay tuned to radio and television for further instructions from emergency officials.