How to Plan an Evacuation Simulation

Steps for Home Evacuation

• 1

  Draw the floor plan of your home or apartment building. Identify exits, fire escapes and ladders. Create two escape routes for each room. Practice them with your family.

• 2

  Mark the locations of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and first aid kits. Know where the shut-off valves are for water, gas and electricity. Make note of any necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks or inhalers. Write them down and practice identifying them.

• 3

  Decide what items you would take with you if you only had 10 minutes to do so. Consider what you could take that if yo could only physically carry these items.

• 4

  Write down the main route to leave your neighborhood, as well as two alternate routes. Decide ahead of time on a place to meet if the family is separated. Identify local shelters and safe houses.

• 5

  Pick a night to put your plan into action. Behave as if a disaster has occurred in your home. Follow your plan and make note of any mistakes or anything that you previously overlooked.

Steps for City Evacuation

• 6

  Choose a family contact that is well outside your area. Give everyone this person's contact information in case of an emergency. This contact will become your family's liaison in case of separation. Have two back-up contacts in case this person is unavailable.

• 7

  Stay in touch with current news via the radio and television broadcasts. Keep your liaison up to date on local events.

• 8

  Choose an area for all family members to gather. Take into account that bridges and overpasses may be inaccessible during a disaster. Plan for meeting areas that you can reach by foot, if necessary. Establish meeting areas outside of the local area as well.

• 9

  Plan evacuation routes for each direction in case one is blocked.

• 10

  Appoint a day in which you practice this evacuation as a family. Position each family member as though they were in a place they would ordinarily be at that time of day, such as at work or grocery shopping.