nj-oag-logo

OAG

njsp-logo-gold

NJSP

NJOEM Logo

NJOEM

nj-gov-logo

NJ.gov

Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell

Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube
OEM Logo

Evacuation

Understanding Evacuation: What You Need to Know

To evacuate means to leave your home or workplace during an emergency and follow a designated evacuation route to a safe shelter. Before and during an evacuation, stay tuned to local radio or television stations for the most up-to-date information. Emergency management officials will provide instructions through radio and TV broadcasts, including Emergency Alert System messages. These updates may include the location of the nearest evacuation routes and public shelters. If you do not have access to a vehicle, broadcasts will also share information about available bus or other public transportation options.

How You’ll Know When to Evacuate or Take Action

Local, county, or state emergency management officials will notify your community if you need to evacuate or take other protective actions.

These notifications are delivered through the Emergency Alert System via local radio and TV broadcasts. Officials may also use community notification systems like “Reverse 911”, which sends alerts to landline phones. In some cases, they may even go door-to-door or use bullhorns to relay urgent messages.

Remember: Your most reliable source of information before, during, and after an emergency is a battery-powered radio.

If you cannot access a radio or may miss alerts, make arrangements with a neighbor or friend to keep you informed.

Also important to remember:

  • In most emergencies, sheltering in place (not evacuation) is the first action you should take.
  • If you’re unsure what to do during an emergency, shelter in place, then listen to the radio further instructions from emergency officials.
  • If authorities instruct you to evacuate, take the order seriously and act immediately.

Learn the details of your workplaces or business’s emergency plan. Mamy businesses have robust procedures for sheltering, evacuation, and notifying employees’ families. To learn more or help your workplace prepare, visit NJOEM’s “For Business & Industry” page.

By now, you should have assembled your Emergency Supply Kit, which includes a battery-powered radio and other essential items. If you have not yet completed your kit, please visit the NJOEM Basic Preparedness page and follow the Three Steps to Safety.

Your Emergency Supply Kit contains everything you may need to either shelter-in-place or evacuate. However, when evacuating, you may not need to be able to take all of these items with you – especially if you do not have access to a personal vehicle. For example, carrying three days’ worth of water for each household member may not be feasible. Please note that public shelters will provide food and water.

What to Pack in Your “Go Kit”

When preparing to evacuate, consider taking the following essential items:

  • Battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Two blankets per person
  • Prescription medications and other necessary medical items
  • Items related to disabilities or special needs
  • Childcare supplies, such as diapers and baby formula
  • Cash, identification, and keys
  • Non-perishable food or snacks
  • Reading materials or children’s toys

Think about how many bags you and your family will need to carry these items. These bags, containing your essential supplies, make up your “Go Kit.” Prepare your “Go Kit” in advance and store it with your Emergency Supply Kit.

Important Reminders

  • Be Prepared to Act Quickly: In the event of flooding or fire, you may have as little as 10 minutes to evacuate. Deciding what to take can be difficult under stress. Consider making a list of high-priority items to grab if you have limited time. If you cannot carry something safely, leave it behind.
  • Special Needs: If you or a family member has disabilities or other special needs, you may require additional time and assistance to prepare for evacuation. Follow this link for more information on preparing for individuals with special needs.

First Steps

  • Know Your Local Plans:

Local and county emergency management officials have developed evacuation plans for all types of hazards. Contact your County Office of Emergency Management or local Police Department to learn about the specific plans for your area.

  • Coastal Residents:

If you live in a coastal area, review the maps of New Jersey’s Coastal Evacuation Routes.

Please note: Evacuation routes may change during an emergency. Always follow the latest instructions from local officials.

  • Stay Informed:

During emergencies, use a battery-powered radio to listen for up-to-date information and instructions from authorities.

  • Transportation Options:

If you do not have access to a vehicle, public transportation options such as buses will be available.

Contact your County Office of Emergency Management or local Police Department in advance to get details on evacuation plans for transit-dependent individuals.

Home Safety

  • Utility Shutoff:

Learn how to safely turn off water, electricity, and natural gas in your home. If your home is at risk, shutting off utilities before evacuating can help prevent additional hazards such as flooding, fire, or explosions.

Special Needs

  • Disabilities and Special Needs:

If you or a family member has disabilities or other special needs, additional preparation time may be required.

Pet Preparedness

  • Make Arrangements for Your Pets:

Public shelters generally do not accept pets, except for ADA service animals.

When an evacuation is ordered in New Jersey , public shelters will be available to provide food and a safe place to stay.

However, you should be aware that these shelters may not be able to meet all dietary needs. They may not be able to provide the medical care you may need. And they cannot take in pets, except ADA assistance animals.

During a major emergency, the best place to evacuate is with the comfort of friends and family. If possible, make plans now to shelter with a relative or friend who lives out-of-state in the event of a major emergency.

  • When authorities issue an evacuation order, act immediately – do not delay or underestimate the risk. Leave as soon as possible, following these key steps for your safety and the safety of your household.

    • Take your emergency kit and review your emergency action plan
    • Wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
    • Bring your pets with you. Remember, only service animals are allowed in most emergency shelters. Make arrangements in advance to stay with friends, family, or at a pet-friendly hotel. Visit our Pets Preparedness page for more information.
    • Lock your home before you leave.
    • Use only official evacuation routes provided by local authorities. Do not take shortcuts, as some roads may be impassable or unsafe.
    • Avoid flooded roads and downed power lines. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters – just 12 inches of moving water can sweep away a small car.
    • If your home is at risk and you have time:
      • Notify your family contact of your destination and expected arrival time.
      • Shut off utilities (water, electricity, natural gas) unless officials advise otherwise. Only shut off natural gas if you do not smell gas and you know how to do it safely. If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and do not attempt to shut it off, as this could case an explosion.
    • If time permits and you live in a flood-prone area, move valuables to a higher floor to help protect them from water damage.
    • Stay informed by listening to a battery-powered radio or local news for the latest updates and instructions from officials.

     

    Important Safety Reminders:

    • Never return home until authorities declare it is safe to do so.
    • Do not use open flames (candles, matches) indoors after returning, until you are certain there are no gas leaks – this could cause a deadly explosion.
    • Listen to local authorities: They will provide you with the most accurate information specific to an event in your area. Stay tuned to your battery-powered radio or TV.

Understanding the distinction between mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders is crucial for your safety during emergencies. A mandatory evacuation is issued when there is an imminent and serious threat to life and property. In these situations, residents are required to leave the designated area as instructed by local officials. While law enforcement typically cannot physically force individuals to leave their homes, those who choose to stay should be aware that emergency services may be suspended and first responders may not be able to assist them if conditions become too dangerous.

In contrast, a voluntary evacuation is a strong recommendation to relocate to a safer area, issued when a threat exists or is likely to develop, but is not yet imminent. Residents are not legally required to leave, but it is strongly advised, especially for those who may need extra time to evacuate or live in areas prone to rapid changes in conditions. There are no penalties for remaining during a voluntary evacuation, but individuals should monitor the situation closely and be prepared for conditions to worsen.

Regardless of the type of order, it is always best to follow the guidance of local officials, stay informed of the latest updates, and to have a clear evacuation plan in place.