When You Need to Leave (Evacuation Planning That Actually Works)
Sometimes, the safest choice is to leave, and when that moment comes, there usually isn’t much time to think or make a last second plan to escape.
Knowing Where to Go
Part of your plan is about knowing where to go, how to get there, and what matters most to bring.
Start with two simple questions:
- A meeting place outside your immediate area
- A contact person in another region so they’re less likely to be affected by the disaster
They can act as a relay person. You might not be able to reach each other directly, but you may be able to check in through them.
Make sure everyone knows:
- The plan
- How to reach the contact
- What to do if communication isn’t working
Accessibility Tip: Store contact info in multiple formats such as In your Smartphone, Written in large print or braille, As an audio note or voice memo.
How will you get there?
Have more than one route if possible.
For those with vision or mobility changes:
- Practice routes with orientation and mobility in mind
- Identify landmarks you can use without relying on vision alone
- Consider transportation backups (rideshare, neighbors, paratransit, etc.)
- If there is an evacuation level system consider leaving at an earlier stage of evacuation while resources such as Lyft and Uber or your local paratransit or fixed route busses are still connecting from city to city or county to county.
If you don’t drive, your plan should still be a plan—not a question mark.
What about animals?
Include them in the plan from the beginning so you’re not figuring it out under pressure.
For those with vision or mobility changes:
- Know where they can go, not all shelters or hotels will let you bring your animals.
- Keep supplies ready
- Have carriers or mobility solutions accessible
If you use a service animal, plan for:
- Extra food
- Documentation (if needed)
- Rest and safety during transit
What do you take with you?
Evacuations can happen fast. The goal is not to take everything, it’s to take what matters most.
Essentials include:
- Identification
- Medications
- Cash
- Important documents
- Basic clothing
- Pet supplies
Now let’s make that functional and accessible:
- Keep a pre-packed go-bag in a consistent, easy-to-reach location
- Use organizational pouches with different textures or shapes
- Label items using braille, large print, or tactile markers
- Store digital copies of documents in an accessible cloud account
- Use color contrast or distinct bag styles to quickly identify your bag
The goal: you can grab your bag and know what’s in it without unpacking it.
Review the plan (yes, really)
Plans only work if people remember them.
Check in periodically:
- Has your health, vision, or mobility changed?
- Are your tools still working?
- Does everyone still understand the plan?
You don’t need to drill it like a fire alarm, but a casual “what would we do if…” conversation goes a long way.
Emergency planning isn’t about fear, it’s about reducing the number of unknowns.
You’re not trying to control everything.
You’re making sure that if something happens, you’re not starting from zero.
And like most things, we get better at it one small step at a time.
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