Chapter 9 · Urban survival
Urban evacuation: when and how
In this section (3)
When to leave
- Immediately, if authorities order it for your area.
- Before it's ordered, if your building is damaged, you have no water or power for days and the heat or cold is dangerous, or someone in the home depends on medical equipment.
- Don't leave if the order is to shelter in place, or if leaving means crossing water or driving on ice. Often the safest place is your home.
How to leave
- Take the 72-hour bags (chapter 2) and the pet kit: leash, carrier, food, water, bowls, medicine, vaccination papers, and a photo of each one.
- Documents and money: IDs, insurance policies, lease, prescriptions, cash.
- Close up the home: unplug appliances; shut off the water and gas only if authorities tell you to.
- Tell your out-of-town contact your destination and route.
- Follow the designated routes. Don't take shortcuts: they may be blocked or flooded. Check your state's road conditions website.
Exit routes from your area
Identify the main exits from your area (interstates, state highways, and beltways). Have at least two destinations and two different routes, because the one you choose may be closed or jammed.
| Highway | Direction and main destinations | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Highway heading inland | Direction and destinations away from the coast or hazard zone; safe cities and towns you can reach | Climbs to higher ground, away from the coast. |
| Highway heading toward the coast | Direction toward the sea or the hazard zone | Heads to the coast: don't use it to flee a hurricane. |
| Main highway toward a large city | Destinations: nearby large cities | Very congested at rush hour and during any event. |
| Long-distance highway | Destinations: distant cities | Long distance with few services. |
| Parallel alternate highway | Destinations: nearby towns | Alternative to the main highway for getting out. |
| Highway from the coast | Direction toward the coast | In hurricanes, traffic comes from the coast toward your area; the opposite lane may be used to evacuate (contraflow). |
| Beltways | Rings around the city | Use them to reach the exit you want without crossing downtown. |
