CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

Consider the following questions when making an emergency communications plan:

• How will my household get emergency alerts and warnings?
• How will my household get in touch if cell phones, internet, or landlines don’t work?
• How will I let my loved ones know I am safe if we aren’t together when an emergency occurs?
• Does my household have an out-of-area contact?
• Does my household have any special needs or considerations that may impact how we communicate during an emergency?

For more information on making a communications plan, including templates to use, visit ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Prepare now for the event of an evacuation. Your household should have evacuation plans in place in case you need to evacuate: your building, your neighborhood, or the entire area.

Consider the following questions when making an emergency evacuations plan:

• How will my household get to safe locations during an emergency?
• How will my household get to a safe meeting place after an emergency?

There may be conditions under which you will decide to avoid a hazard entirely, or where may be situations where you are ordered or asked to leave by authorities. Follow these guidelines for evacuation:

• Follow evacuation instructions quickly.
• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood. Practice!
• Try to keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle at all times. If an evacuation order seems likely, try to keep a full tank of gas.
• Become familiar with alternate routes and means of transportation into and out of your area.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may not be safe.
• Be alert for road hazards such as flooding or downed power lines.
• If you do not own a vehicle, make arrangements for how you will evacuate if necessary. Plan with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Listen to local radio stations for further instructions.
• Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals are allowed in public shelters.

If time allows:

• Contact your out-of-area contact. Tell them where you are going.
• Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
• Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment.
• Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing.
• Check in with neighbors who may need additional assistance.