Volunteer vs. Mandatory Evacuation

Evacuations are a common occurrence and happen more frequently than you may realize. Hurricanes, tsunamis and fire hazards are concerns that make evacuations a necessary fact of life. Evacuations come in two forms--voluntary and mandatory. Listen to warnings from television and radio stations, so you can be informed which kind your area is facing.

Mandatory Evacuations

• Incoming hurricane

  According to the Cooperative Extension System, mandatory evacuations are called when severe threat to life is imminent or occurring in that region. For example, if a hurricane reaching a level five on the Saffir-Simpson Scale is approaching, likely the local government will call for a mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas. A directed evacuation means you must evacuate the area as soon as possible, usually to a designated shelter farther inland for a hurricane and fire hazard or higher ground for a tsunami.

Voluntary Evacuations

• Tornado

  Voluntary evacuations occur when there is a possible threat to life and property imminent in the affected area. If you live in an area where a voluntary evacuation has been called you are not obligated to leave, but it is advisable to do so. For a tornado or severe thunderstorm emergency, you might not have time to leave. In these cases, you must decide if it's best to just stay put or evacuate.

When Is It Time to Leave?

• Flooding

  Depending on the nature of the emergency it might be a better idea to stay in your home. Flash flooding and tornadoes come on you suddenly with little to no warning, making it very dangerous to venture out. It might be safer to stay inside and wait for authorities than to attempt to get to a shelter.

  If you live in a flood-prone area or a major hurricane is approaching, it is better to leave when warnings are issued instead of waiting for a mandatory evacuation to be called. This will give you ample time to prepare and protect your property as best you can. This is even more important if you are disabled or need help in evacuating. Waiting too long could find you stranded with no help at all.

Be Prepared

• Emergencies can happen suddenly.

  According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, before an emergency hits your area, you need to be prepared. Evaluate your risk for different types of emergencies then stock essentials. Food, water, clothing and a first aid kit should be top on your list. If you have pets, make sure you have enough food and any medications required for their care. Pack these into a waterproof container and leave it in a closet by the front door for easy access. Make sure your car has enough gas before you hit the road to avoid being stuck once you go. Create or research an emergency evacuation plan for your family and make sure you review it on a regular basis. Your local authorities also have an evacuation plan with routes to take. Having a map of these routes in your car is a must.

Practice for Evacuation

• Get an evacuation plan.

  Don't Procrastinate. Practice your escape route and try different roads until you find the fastest and safest one. Have practice drills with your family and even implement drills at your workplace as well. Each workplace should have an evacuation plan and an alert system.

  Preparing for an evacuation might seem like a lot of time and effort, but it can save your life. Preparing will give you confidence and security, knowing you did whatever possible to protect your family and possessions from any disaster.