Know how evacuations are called
Many counties use three levels: Level 1, Ready (be aware), Level 2, Set (be ready to leave at a moment's notice) and Level 3, Go (leave now). Check your county emergency management office for its exact wording. If anyone in the house needs extra time, such as small kids, older relatives or a lot of animals, leave at Level 2.
Give everyone a job
| Role | Job when an alert hits |
|---|---|
| Household lead | Makes the go-or-stay call and runs the drill calendar |
| Supply and power | Starts backup power, fills tubs, grabs stores |
| Kids | School pickup or release, kids' go-bags, reassurance |
| Pets | Carriers, leashes, the pet bag, vet records |
| Comms | Calls the out-of-area contact, watches alerts |
| Each kid | An age-sized job: grab your own bag, bring a leash, carry the radio |
Go-bags for 72 hours
One per person and one per pet. For people: water and snacks, layers, medications, copies of ID, a phone charger, cash in small bills, and a comfort item for each kid. For pets: food, water, waste bags or litter, vaccination records, and a leash or carrier, ideally one carrier per pet (Ready.gov). Only service animals may be allowed in public shelters, so line up a pet-friendly place to stay ahead of time (Ready.gov).
The 15-minute departure checklist
- People and pets in the car
- Go-bags and medications
- Document bag: IDs, insurance policies, deed, vet records, and a USB or cloud copy
- Phones, chargers, laptop
- Close windows and interior doors, leave lights on, lock up
Fuel. Keep at least half a tank of gas at all times. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and can't pump during power outages (Ready.gov).
Meeting points and reunification
- Right outside the house, for a fire.
- Out of the neighborhood, for when you can't get home.
- Out of the area, such as a relative's house, for a wide evacuation.
Ask each school or daycare how it releases children in an emergency, and make sure it has everyone who's allowed to pick your kids up.
Practice once
Run a timed drill with everyone, pets included. Most households find their slow spot on the first try, and it's usually the cat or the documents.