Plan Ahead
Safe and effective evacuation requires planning ahead—know ahead of time where you will go and how you will get there. There may be little advance warning. It is important to keep in mind that destructive weather, earthquakes, and other hazards may limit or completely eliminate some transportation methods, especially bridges, ferries, tunnels, and mass transit systems. You should plan primary and alternative evacuation routes in advance, with appropriate maps in your emergency supply kit. During certain emergencies—especially those involving flooding, high winds, multiple aftershocks, or volcanic eruption—emergency public information broadcasts may include prohibitions on using travel trailers, campers, motor homes, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and boats.
Be familiar with your installation’s plans and procedures—review them periodically and whenever you change duty stations. Evacuation plans identify the available transportation networks and their capabilities, especially the carrying capacity of proposed evacuation routes and existing or potential bottlenecks caused either by traffic or natural occurrences, such as rising waters. For more information, contact your Installation Emergency Manager and notify your local Emergency Manager of any special transportation needs you may have due to disability or illness.
The installation’s Evacuation Management Team coordinates evacuation operations, as well as the return or relocation of displaced personnel. Procedures address the evacuation of people with special needs, including providing transportation and assisting disabled persons throughout the evacuation cycle. Assembly areas are designated where personnel should gather during the evacuation to board arranged transportation, when available.
How to prepare for an evacuation
-
Verify and update official contact information in the Marine Corps Enterprise Mass Notification System (eMNS), and register all cell phones, home phone, email addresses, etc. in eMNS.
-
Make an evacuation plan:
-
You should plan primary and alternative evacuation routes in advance, with appropriate maps to take along in your emergency supply kit. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options depending on the emergency.
-
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, make other arrangements ahead of time and become familiar with alternative means of transportation in your area—trains, buses, etc.
-
Depending on regulations at the remote safe haven or civilian shelter, pets may have to be left behind, so ask your Installation Emergency Management Officer for additional information on your site. Service animals are always permitted inside civilian shelters. Plan how you will care for your animals and provide extra food, water, and supplies for them.
-
Make an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated.
-
Build an emergency kit.
actions to take during an evacuation
-
Plan to take one car to reduce congestion and delay.
-
Keep a full tank of gas—power outages or congestion could make refueling challenging.
-
Gather your emergency supply kit, adequate for at least three days.
-
Wear sturdy shoes and clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.
-
Close and lock all doors and windows.
-
Unplug electrical equipment. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
-
In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to a battery-powered radio, or check the Internet and eMNS alerts often for information or official instructions and follow them.
-
Leave the hazard area when directed to avoid being trapped or stranded.
-
Let others know or post a note as to where you are going.
-
Follow the recommended evacuation routes and zones; shortcuts may be blocked.
-
Stay alert for damaged or missing roads, bridges, and structures.
-
Stay away from downed power lines.
-
Once you are in a safe place, follow your command’s protocols for personnel accountability and contact your command’s designated Point of Contact to check-in and report your location and situation.
How you will be notified
-
Giant Voice (GV)—A voice announcing system using exterior speakers, commonly termed “Giant Voice”
-
Interior Voice (IV)—Interior speakers or sirens within individual buildings
-
Enterprise Mass Notification System (eMNS)—An interactive, community notification system capable of providing voice and/or data messages to multiple, designated receivers
NOTE: You must register your personal information in eMNS to receive notices after hours and away from the office on personal devices.