Chemical Agents: Facts About Evacuation

Some kinds of chemical accidents or attacks, such as a train derailment or a terrorist incident, may make staying put dangerous. In such cases, it may be safer for you to evacuate, or leave the immediate area. You may need to go to an emergency shelter after you leave the immediate area.

How to know if you need to evacuate

You will hear from the local police, emergency coordinators, or government on the radio and/or television emergency broadcast system if you need to evacuate.

If there is a “code red” or “severe” terror alert, you should pay attention to radio and/or television broadcasts so you will know right away if an evacuation order is made for your area.

Every emergency is different and during any emergency people may have to evacuate or to shelter in place depending on where they live.

What to do

Act quickly and follow the instructions of local emergency coordinators, such as law enforcement personnel, fire departments, or local elected leaders. Every situation can be different, so local coordinators could give you special instructions to follow for a particular situation.

Local emergency coordinators may direct people to evacuate homes or offices and go to an emergency shelter. If so, emergency coordinators will tell you how to get to the shelter. If you have children in school, they may be sheltered at the school. You should not try to get to the school if the children are being sheltered there. Transporting them from the school will put them, and you, at increased risk.

The emergency shelter will have most supplies that people need. The emergency coordinators will tell you which supplies to bring with you, but you may also want to prepare a portable supply kit. Be sure to bring any medications you are taking.

If you have time, call a friend or relative in another state to tell them where you are going and that you are safe. Local telephone lines may be jammed in an emergency, so you should plan ahead to have an out-of-state contact with whom to leave messages. If you do not have private transportation, make plans in advance of an emergency to identify people who can give you a ride.

Evacuating and sheltering in this way should keep you safer than if you stayed at home or at your workplace. You will most likely not be in the shelter for more than a few hours. Emergency coordinators will let you know when it is safe to leave the shelter and anything you may need to do to make sure it is safe to re-enter your home.

How you can get more information about evacuation

You can contact one of the following:

State and local health departments
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Public Response Hotline (CDC)
  - 800-CDC-INFO
  - 888-232-6348 (TTY)
- E-mail inquiries: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

This fact sheet is based on CDC’s best current information. It may be updated as new information becomes available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.