PWC: What to Do if Told to Evacuate

• From PWC's Office of Emergency Management

What do I do with my pet?
Emergency planning is for all members of the family, including pets. With the exception of service animals, most shelters do not accept pets. Prepare a list of kennels, friends or family members who may be able to care for your pet in an emergency. If you plan to place your pet in a kennel, make sure that the facility meets all requirements for long-term care and has an adequate disaster plan itself. If your family must relocate to a shelter or other site and there is no place for your pet to go, as a last resort, confine your pet to a specific room in the house, and provide plenty of food and water to sustain the animal while you are away. Put together a basic disaster kit for your pets to take with you in case you must leave your residence quickly. Recommended items include: 

• An airline-approved carrier for each dog, cat or other pets;
• ID with photo, vaccination records, registrations, special needs list, sufficient medicines, collar and a muzzle/leash;
• An extra supply of pet food;
• Plenty of clean water; and
• Bowls (disposable containers if you must leave your residence), manual can opener, kitchen trash bags, bleach (as a disinfectant and water purification), blankets, towels, paper towels and other waste disposal supplies.

More information on emergency preparedness for pets is available at VDEM, or the Humane Society of the United States, 202-452-1100. 

How do I help a family member, friend or neighbor who needs special assistance? 
Establish relationships with nearby neighbors before an emergency or disaster happens. Ask nearby family or neighbors you trust to check on you during a disaster. Keep in touch with your family and neighbors and look out for each other by:

• Sharing your emergency contact and medical information with your apartment building management or condo association.
• Giving your emergency contact and medical information to your neighbors and family.
• Creating a contact list of your neighbors’ information.
• Arranging for someone to check on you.
• Teaching those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Be sure they will be able to reach you.
• Planning ahead with your home health care agency for emergency procedures, if you have home health care services.
• Notifying local police, fire and rescue responders of special needs or mobility issues.

During storms and other emergency events, check to see how your relatives and neighbors are coping, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities. If possible, help them plan or locate resources from which to obtain assistance. Contact your the Department of Social Services at 703-792-6500 for information on services available for the elderly and residents with disabilities.

How do I find the nearest shelter to my home?
Prince William County does not have permanent shelter facilities. The County Emergency Operations Plan includes procedures for establishing shelters as needed in suitable facilities. When there is a need to establish a shelter, the County will work with the Red Cross to open a facility that is appropriate to the needs of the situation. Listen to local media and be prepared to follow all instructions.

Where would I go if I have to evacuate my home?
Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. If you are told to evacuate, it is important to stay calm, listen to local media reports carefully and follow all instructions. Local officials will provide information about where shelters have been established.

What do I do if I'm told to evacuate?
If you are told to evacuate, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions. If you’re sure you have time, call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Shut off water and electricity, but leave natural gas ON unless local officials advise you otherwise. Only a professional can restore gas service once it’s turned off, and this could take weeks in a disaster situation. If you must choose quickly what to take with you, grab these things and go: medical supplies; disaster supplies (flashlight, batteries, radio, first-aid kit, and bottled water); a change of clothes, sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each family member, and car and house keys. If you plan to travel by car, become familiar now with alternate travel routes you can use to avoid congested main arteries in the event of an emergency. Remember, it is against the law to drive on the shoulder. Shoulders are reserved for police, fire and rescue vehicles. All news radio stations such as WTOP (1500 AM/107.7 FM) and WMAL (630 AM) provide 24/7 traffic information. Carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Suitable items include blankets, flashlight, shovel, jumper cables, road salt or kitty litter, flares or reflective triangles, local road maps, and high-calorie food like granola bars and juice. Consider keeping an old cell phone and a power cord in each of your cars. Even if the phone does not have a service provider, it should still be able to dial 911.
Your first priority is to focus on what you need to do to protect yourself and your family. Here are some other things to do:

• Plan to be away from home for at least three days. 
• Determine your evacuation route to your designated evacuation center. 
• Stay tuned to your radio or television station for further instructions.