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Move safely

Evacuation plan and emergency grab bag

Evacuation is a movement plan, not just a bag. The route, destination, timing, transport, access needs and reliable information matter more than owning specialised equipment.

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From AidWorkers Humanitarian experience applied at homeEvidence base 4 named sourcesReviewed 25 July 2026

Why this matters

Identify triggers that require immediate action, especially official evacuation orders, fire, gas, structural danger and rapidly rising water. Prepare several routes and destinations because the preferred option may be blocked or unsafe.

A grab bag should support the journey and first period away from home. Keep it light enough for the named person to carry, and put life-supporting items, information and essential medicines ahead of gadgets or heavy duplicates.

Before disruption

Prepare now

  • Map two exits from the home and several routes away from the local hazard area.
  • Confirm destinations that can meet access, health, safeguarding and animal needs.
  • Pack identity information, medicines, communication, water, simple food, light, clothing and key care items.
  • Keep footwear, keys and essential mobility or sensory equipment where they can be reached quickly.
  • Practise leaving at different times and in darkness without creating unnecessary fear.

When it is happening

Protect the next decision

  1. Leave early when authorities direct it and never enter a closed or hazardous route.
  2. Tell the agreed contact your destination and route only when doing so is safe.
  3. Take the most essential items first and do not delay to complete the perfect bag.
  4. Register or check in at official shelter or assistance points when requested.

Plan for real people

Access, care and inclusion

  • Divide shared items so one lost bag does not remove every medicine, document or communication option.
  • Provide identification and support information for anyone who may be separated from carers.
  • Plan safe transfers, charging, backup mobility and manual alternatives for powered equipment.
  • Include children’s comfort items, animal supplies and culturally important essentials.

Mental readiness

Protect morale and clear thinking

  • A familiar scarf, small toy, photograph, tea bag or other light comfort item can make displacement less alien.
  • Give each person one clear task and repeat the next step in calm language.
  • At the destination, establish water, medicine, contact and rest before seeking every update.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

  • Packing a bag so heavy that it slows or injures the person expected to carry it.
  • Waiting for visible danger after a credible authority has ordered evacuation.
  • Using shortcuts through floodwater, smoke, unstable ground or restricted areas.

Evidence and review

Sources behind this guide

Prepare Now uses authoritative government, humanitarian and public-health material as a starting point. Source advice can be specific to a country, hazard or date, so check the current version for your location.

Continue preparing

Vehicles & travelPlan for stranded journeys, disrupted fuel, blocked roads, public transport failure and travel without a car.Household planAgree contacts, meeting places, roles, access needs and stay-or-leave decisions before stress rises.Clothing, sleep & comfortUse layers, rest, hygiene and familiar comfort items to protect health and endurance.

Editorial status: first staging edition. Safety-critical instructions will receive specialist and jurisdiction review before public launch.