Live conditions are tracked on the HazardNow dashboard
For current alerts, infrastructure stress, weather, wildfire, travel, public-health, supply-chain, and stability indicators, open the live dashboard.
Evacuation Time-Budget Prioritizer
Build a prioritized action list based on how much time you have before leaving.
This tool is for general preparedness and prioritization only. It does not replace emergency alerts, evacuation orders, shelter-in-place instructions, road closures, or guidance from local officials. If you are in immediate danger, leave if you can do so safely or call emergency services. Conditions can change faster than this checklist can account for.
For chemical or hazardous-material incidents, evacuation is not always the safest action. If officials tell you to shelter in place, follow that instruction unless you are in immediate life-threatening danger.
No clear official instruction selected. Check local emergency management, emergency alerts, NOAA/NWS where relevant, local fire/law enforcement, or official city/county channels. If you are in immediate danger, leave if you can do so safely.
Based on your inputs, prioritize people, medications, pets, communications, and transportation before documents or property protection.
Do first
- Load people, pets, medications, medical devices, phone/charger, keys, wallet/ID.
- Confirm destination and route using official information.
- Secure mobility aids and supplies for vulnerable household members.
- If vehicle fuel is low, leave earlier rather than delaying for nonessential packing.
Do next
- Grab go-bag, water, snacks, essential documents, pet food/leashes/carriers.
- Send check-in message to emergency contact.
- Turn off appliances only if safe and fast.
Only if time remains
- Pack one small bag of clothing/hygiene items per person.
- Move lightweight valuables only if already accessible.
Hazard-specific warning
Prioritize people, medical needs, pets, communications, transportation, and official route information before documents or property tasks.
Household-specific notes
- No extra modifiers detected from selected household constraints.
Sources
- Ready.gov — Evacuation
- Ready.gov — Make a Plan
- Ready.gov — Build a Kit
- FEMA — What is an evacuation order?
- Ready.gov — Floods
- National Weather Service — Turn Around Don't Drown
- Ready.gov — Hurricanes
- Ready.gov — Pets
- American Red Cross — Pet Disaster Preparedness
- American Red Cross — Hurricane Supply List / Important Documents
- CDC — Chemical Emergency Shelter in Place
- CDC — Chemical Emergency Evacuation
- Ready for Wildfire — Go Evacuation Guide
Related HazardNow resources
FAQ
What should I do first if I only have 5 minutes to evacuate?
Move people first, then essentials like medications, phone, keys, and ID, and leave using official directions. Do not delay for belongings.
Should I wait for an official evacuation order?
No. Monitor official alerts and leave early when conditions worsen, especially if your household needs extra time.
What if officials tell me to shelter in place instead of evacuate?
Shelter and follow instructions; some incidents, especially chemical releases, are safer indoors until officials change direction.
What should I take when evacuating with pets?
Leash/carrier, food, water, medication, and pet records if available; include pets in your plan before incidents occur.
What if my evacuation route is flooded or blocked?
Never enter floodwater or drive around barricades. Use a safer route or move to higher ground as directed.
Can this tool tell me whether it is safe to stay?
No. It prioritizes tasks only and does not replace local official emergency instructions.
More HazardNow tools
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