Hour zero

Evacuate in 10 minutes

Write the list, split the jobs and time a drill, so your household leaves on time with what matters.

Time40 min

LevelMedium

Steps6

Official sources2

Why it matters

Wildfires, floods and chemical spills can give only minutes of warning. A household that has rehearsed its exit leaves on time with what matters.

What you need

Gather these before you start.

Go-bags: 1 per person
Printed evacuation checklist: 1, taped inside a cupboard door
Timer
Car keys on a fixed hook

Step by step

Shelter in place or evacuate decision chart showing when to leave at once, when to leave early and when to stay inside

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Write the 10-minute list

List what leaves with you: people and pets, medicines, papers, phones and chargers, go-bags, glasses and one or two irreplaceable things. Tape the list where you will see it.

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Split the jobs

Give each person a task, such as pets, medicines, the car or the children. Two people should never be looking for the same thing.

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Close up the house

Unplug small appliances and lock doors and windows. Shut off water, gas and power only if officials tell you to or the house is damaged.

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Leave a note

Write when you left and where you are going, and leave it where responders or family will find it. Text the out-of-town contact as you go.

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Take the official route

Follow the evacuation routes given by officials and skip shortcuts, which may be blocked. Never drive into flood water or around barricades.

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Run the drill

Start a timer, call the evacuation and see what is in the car when it rings at 10 minutes. Fix whatever slowed you down and try again in six months.

The numbers

What	Amount
Time to be in the car	10 minutes
Go-bags	1 per person
Fuel tank, all year	at least 1/2 full
Repeat the drill	every 6 months
Time to set up the drill	40 minutes

Ready.gov, Evacuation

Stay safe

Leave early if you have a medical need, pets or no car of your own.
Watch for washed-out roads, damaged bridges and downed power lines.
Wear sturdy shoes, long trousers and long sleeves.

When you're done

Result	A household that can be in the car, with the right things, in 10 minutes.
Keep it ready	Keep the fuel tank at least half full all year, and fill it completely when a storm or fire is forecast.

Questions people ask

What should you take when evacuating?

People and pets first, then medicines, papers, phones and chargers, the go-bags, glasses and one or two irreplaceable things. Tape the list inside a cupboard door so nobody has to remember it.

How much gas should you keep in the car for an evacuation?

At least half a tank all year, and a full tank when a storm or fire is forecast. Wait for the official order and the queues at the pump are already long.

What do you do when evacuating your home?

Unplug small appliances, lock doors and windows, and leave a note saying when you left and where you are going. Shut off water, gas or power only if officials tell you to or the house is damaged.