Evacuation planning – Emergency Management
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Resident guide for evacuation planning

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Plan to evacuate

Many kinds of emergencies can cause you to have to evacuate. In some cases, you may have a day or two to prepare, while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning is vital to making sure that you can evacuate quickly and safely, no matter what the circumstances.

Before an evacuation

  • Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community, and the local emergency, evacuation and shelter plans for each specific disaster.
  • Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation. Prepare a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation, and supplies for traveling longer distances if you have a car.
  • Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot, depending on the type of disaster.

    • Planning

  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
  • Check with local officials about what shelter spaces are available for the current incident.
  • Identify several places you could go in an emergency, such as a friend’s home in another town, or a motel. Choose destinations in different directions, so that you have options during an emergency.
  • If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.
  • Come up with a family/household plan to stay in touch in case you become separated; have a meeting place and update it depending on the circumstance.

    • If you have a car

  • Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely. Keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times, in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
  • Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car.

    • If you do not have a car

  • Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
  • Plan how you will leave if needed. Decide with family, friends or your local emergency management office what resources may be available.


    • During an evacuation

    Prepare to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Planning and preparation can help you take quick action.

    Garfield County Emergency Management uses the Ready Set Go model for evacuations.
    Ready set go graphic
    Ready – possible evacuation in your area. Prepare, monitor and pack your valuables.
    Set – Short notice evacuation likely in your area. Prepare for sudden evacuation; leave now if you need extra time.
    Go – Evacuate immediately from your area. LEAVE NOW! Danger in your area.

    Leave early

  • Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather or emergency incident.
  • If you have a special need during an incident, let Garfield County Emergency Management know.
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
  • Take your emergency supply kit.
  • Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be allowed in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.

    • If time allows

  • Call or email an out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
  • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in, unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
  • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
  • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

    • Evacuation route

  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked.
  • Be alert for road hazards, such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas.


    • Power outages

    Ready.gov

    Safe generator use

    Consumer Product Safety Commission

    After an evacuation

  • If you are returning to disaster-affected areas after significant events, prepare for disruptions to daily activities, and remember that returning home before debris is cleared is dangerous.
  • Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
  • Charge devices and consider getting backup batteries in case power outages continue.
  • Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
  • Bring supplies, such as water and non-perishable food, for the car ride.
  • Avoid downed power or utility lines, they may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
  • Only use generators outside and away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home’s electrical system.