🚨 Evacuation without a plan is chaos.
Where to? With what? What to take? The evacuation plan gives clear answers – before it gets critical.
1. Evacuation Stages
| Stage | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Readiness | Danger recognized, monitor warnings | Hours to days |
| 2. Preparation | Pack bags, fuel car, plan route | 1-2 hours |
| 3. Departure | Evacuation begins, traffic gets heavier | Now |
| 4. Escape | Immediate leaving, no time to pack | Immediately |
2. The 72-Hour Go-Bag (Evacuation Backpack)
This backpack is always packed and ready:
- Backpack: 40-60L, waterproof, robust
- Water: 3L (bottles/bladder) + water filter/tablets
- Food: Energy bars, cans, dry rations (3 days)
- Clothing: Change of underwear, rain jacket, warm jacket, boots, hat, gloves
- Sleeping: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, bivouac sack
- Hygiene: Toothbrush, soap, wet wipes, toilet paper, trash bags
- First Aid: Compact set (plasters, disinfectant, painkillers)
- Tools: Multitool, pocket knife, rope (paracord), duct tape
- Light/Fire: Flashlight, headlamp, lighter, storm matches
- Communication: Radio, phone + power bank, whistle
- Documents: ID, vaccination card, insurance, contact list (waterproof!)
- Money: Cash (bills + coins, power outage = no ATM!)
- Map: Paper map of the region (GPS doesn't always work)
3. Planning Evacuation Route
- 3 Routes: Primary, secondary, pedestrian (if roads blocked)
- Destination: Relatives, friends, emergency shelter, hotel outside
- Fuel: Always keep tank half full (Quarter-tank rule)
- Alternatives: Field paths, bike paths (main roads = traffic jam!)
- Print map: Phone/navigation can fail
- Meeting point: If family separated: Meeting point outside danger zone
4. The Evacuation Vehicle
- Check: Tires, oil, coolant, wipers, lights
- Tank: Always half full (on alarm: fuel up immediately!)
- Emergency equipment in car: Blankets, water, safety vest, warning triangle, first aid kit
- Tools: Shovel, tow rope, jumper cables
- Navigation backup: Paper map, compass
5. What to Do When Evacuation Order Comes?
- Stay calm: Panic kills more than the disaster itself
- Turn on radio: Follow authorities' instructions
- Secure house: Close windows, turn off gas, power out (if time)
- Take pets: Don't leave pets behind!
- Check neighbors: Elderly, children, disabled – offer help
- Choose route: Away from main currents, alternative routes
- Fuel on the way: First gas station outside the area, fuel up immediately
6. Checklist: Evacuation
- ☐ 72h Go-Bag packed and ready
- ☐ 3 routes planned (car + foot)
- ☐ Destinations set (relatives, hotels, emergency shelters)
- ☐ Family meeting point set
- ☐ Car: tank half full, emergency equipment on board
- ☐ Paper maps printed
- ☐ Documents in waterproof packaging
- ☐ Cash available (50-200€)
- ☐ Pets: carrier, food, leash ready
- ☐ Neighbors informed / help network clarified