Evacuating
back to Evacuate or Stay
During a disaster, you might decide to leave the area or you might be ordered to evacuate. Plan how you will meet with your family and where you will go. Choose several places in different directions so you have choices in an emergency.
Create an evacuation plan:
- Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your neighborhood.
- Identify several places you could go in an emergency, a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter.
- If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate, especially during hurricane season.
- Learn different routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
- If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to.
- Take your emergency supply kit.
- Lock the door behind you.
- Make a plan now for your pets.
If time allows:
- Call the "out-of-state" contact in your family communications plan, and tell them where you are going.
- If there is damage to your home and you are told to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
- Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Check with neighbors who might need a ride.
Hurricane Evacuation Routes by Area:
The Virginia Department of Transportation has made evacuation plans designed to minimize problems caused by heavy traffic. To ensure a successful evacuation, people should leave as early as possible and use the routes specified. Visit the VDOT Web site 
for detailed hurricane evacuation information, including maps.
back to Evacuate or Stay
