-> What To Have

What To Have

In Your Hand

Evacuate means that you must leave.

If the Police and Fire Departments think it is too dangerous for you to stay in your home, they will tell you to evacuate. Here is what you’ll need to do so:

Stay calm. Do exactly what officials tell you to do?
If there is time, secure your home. Close and lock windows and doors. Unplug appliances before you leave. Officials will tell you if you need to turn off utilities.
Let friends and relatives know where you are going.
Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Grab your Go Bag.
If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Do NOT use an elevator during a fire or other emergency. Only use an elevator if emergency personnel instruct you to do so. (If the power goes out or is shut off, you could be trapped.)
Evacuation routes change based on the emergency. Stay tuned to KYW 1060 AM for the latest information.
Get to the nearest shelter or safe place as soon as you can. Officials may ask you to drive your car, go with a neighbor, or go to a place to get on a bus.

Make plans now to stay with friends or family outside the evacuation area. For evacuees who have nowhere to go, the City will open shelters. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, medications, and your Go Bag with you. The shelter will provide food and water.

Familiarize your self with Philadelphia's Evacuation Plans.

Grab Your GO BAG

Put together a family Go Bag – things you’ll need if officials tell you to evacuate. Your Go Bag should be easy to carry – a backpack or small suitcase on wheels. Keep your Go Bag in a place where you can get to it easily, in case you have to leave in a hurry. Put together your own Go Bag, or purchase one from the American Red Cross (215-299-4000) or www.redcrossstore.org.

Items for your Go Bag:

Many of these items can be purchased inexpensively at a dollar store.

Copies of your important documents, such as insurance cards, photo IDs, birth certificates, deeds, proof of address and your Household Emergency Plan. Keep these in a waterproof and portable container.
Extra set of car and house keys
Credit and ATM cards
Cash, especially in small bills (ones, fives and tens)
Bottled water and ready-to-eat foods, such as energy or granola bars
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.)
Medication. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Also keep copies of all prescriptions, and your doctors’ and pharmacist’s contact information.
First-aid kit
Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a mylar blanket
Contact and meeting place information for your household
A small regional map
Personal care items: hand sanitizer, feminine products, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper and wipes
Special care items, including child care supplies, items for special needs and pet supplies.

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