Shelby County Emergency Management Agency
Evacuation Information

If it is necessary to evacuate an area, you will be informed by an announcement on your EAS Station. The message will include any special instructions called for by the situation. You may also be contacted by local fire, police, or other emergency officers - please follow their instructions.

Special arrangements will be made to take care of the sick and disabled.

If You Are Told To Evacuate

If you are advised to evacuate, follow instructions promptly and carefully. These specific instructions will supplement the following general information. When instructed to leave, secure your home as you would for a three day trip.

  • Gather the necessary items to take with you.
  • Turn off lights and all non-essential appliances, lower thermostats and extinguish fires in fireplaces and stoves.
  • Lock all doors and windows
    Use only one vehicle per family
  • Locate The evacuation route you will be instructed to take
  • Drive safely and obey traffic controllers

If you go to an assembly area, you will be directed to a care center. At the care center, the staff will register you and your family, help locate other family members, should you become separated, and obtain medical care, food, lodging and social services for you, if needed.

While you are away, law officers will patrol evacuated areas to protect homes and businesses.

Your length of stay from home will depend on the situation. Local, state, and federal officials will determine when conditions are safe for you to return home.

For evacuations during working hours, if conditions permit, go home and pick up your family. You should be aware, however, that traffic controllers may restrict traffic on some routes to prevent traffic jams. If you cannot reach your family, transportation will be provided for them to the assembly area identified for your community.

Don't Use The Telephone To Try To Get Emergency Information!

That seldom brings results and could tie up telephone lines urgently needed for emergency operations aimed at your protection.

What To Take With You

You should plan to spend a minimum of three days away from home. Bring only essential items and avoid excess baggage. Take only what you need and then in small quantities.

Suggested Items to Take

  • Clothing appropriate for the season
  • Extra undergarments/sleepwear
  • Prescriptions/patient medicines
  • Soap & towels/toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Shaving articles/sanitary devices
  • Flashlight & batteries
  • Credit cards/checkbooks
  • Portable radio & batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Baby supplies/small toys
  • Cell Phone

For sanitary reasons, pets will not be permitted in care centers. Local Authorities will assist you in providing care for your pet.

If You Need Transportation

If you are instructed to evacuate and you do not have transportation, attempt to obtain a ride with neighbors, a friend, or a relative who lives nearby.

If this is not possible, bus transportation will be arranged to the assembly area by calling a local telephone "hotline".

Special Information/Arrangements

If you or other members of your family would require special assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation, please contact Shelby County Emergency Management Agency at (937) 492-5635.