Where are my emergency shelters and what are my evacuation routes?

We totally understand your concern and your need to feel informed ahead of time. The answer, unfortunately, is we don’t know those answers until First Responders (Fire Department and/or Law Enforcement) understand the hazard and the hazard area.

During large-scale emergencies, First Responders size up the incident and determine if protective action measures are needed and if so what type i.e. evacuation, sheltering, etc. Each emergency varies in their scope and location, therefore, the specific instructions on where to go and what to do can vary. Factors such as wind speed, wind direction, road closures, etc. can affect which routes and/or shelter locations are available.

Once the hazard is understood and projected impact area determined then First Responders will decide on the safest routes to use for evacuation and which locations to open as a shelter, if needed. If a listing of specific routes or shelter locations are pre-published, residents may ignore protective action messaging and potentially expose themselves to increased chance of danger or harm.

During any emergency, you want to listen for official information and immediately follow the instructions provided by emergency response personnel. For any potential emergency or disaster, it is important for you to have a reliable means to receive official warnings and instructions. This includes solar- crank- or battery-powered radios (in case of a power outage), television, cell phones, official government websites and social media.

No matter where you are, be prepared for any type of emergency and be ready to take action this includes creating a plan for your family that can include places to meet and how to reach each other.

For more information regarding Red Cross shelters and to find out which shelters are currently open visit: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter. Please note: shelters are not listed in this page unless they are open.

Show All Answers

1. Can I take my pets with me when I evacuate?
2. How do I receive emergency alerts?
3. What is an Emergency Supply Kit and what is a Go Bag?
4. Where are my emergency shelters and what are my evacuation routes?
5. ¿Puedo llevar a mis mascotas conmigo cuando evacue?
6. ¿Cómo recibo alertas de emergencia?
7. ¿Qué es un botiquín de emergencia y que es una bolsa de viaje?
8. ¿Dónde están mis refugios de emergencia y cuáles son mis rutas de evacuación?