Evacuations and Knowing Where to Go
Evacuation Routes
See our draft evacuation routes and provide feedback on your neighborhood's routes.
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Knowing what to do before, during, and after an evacuation can help protect you and your household when every second counts. One of the most important steps is to know your zone and learn your routes to safety ahead of time — not in the middle of an emergency.
Oakland is divided into zones so the City can send focused alerts to specific neighborhoods. This means that different areas may receive different instructions depending on the situation.
For example, during a tsunami or wildfire, people living near the coast and those in the hills might need to take different safety steps. When you know your zone, you will know what to do to stay safe.
Your Genasys Protect Zone is unique — it’s not the same as police beats, fire districts, or councilmember districts. Most Oakland neighborhood zones begin with “OKL.”
Know Your Zone with Genasys Protect
What to Do
Before
Before an Evacuation
Know two ways out of your neighborhood and two ways to get to a safe place. You never know when an emergency or damage will cause the primary road out of your neighborhood to be unusable.
Get Ready
If you know you may need to evacuate, pack your car early, make sure your gas tank is full, and review your emergency plans. See our guide on emergency kits and evacuation go bags for suggestions on items you should have on hand.
Reunification Planning
Make arrangements with your household and other loved ones on a reunification site. Some considerations when selecting a site include:
- Can I access this place at all hours? A disaster may happen overnight. If you selected a business as a safe meeting point, they may not be open.
- Is this location far enough from hazards? Make sure this location is safe from structural concerns (such as damage after an earthquake) and has minimal exposure to any hazards (if evacuating from a tsunami, make sure it is inland or on high ground, if a wildfire, make sure it is not in an area prone to high fire danger)
- How will I get there? You want to bring your Go Bag and vital items such as medical equipment and medications. Make sure your evacuation and emergency preparedness plans include plans on how you will leave the area. Consider making an arrangement with a neighbor or other family member who lives nearby for transportation if you do not have a car. Public transportation may be impacted or unavailable depending on the type of disaster occurring.
- Is my gas tank full or full enough to get out? If you live in an area with a known risk (such as a wildfire prone area during a red flag warning or a landslide risk area during winter storms) make sure you keep your gas tank above half or full in case you need to evacuate. Gas stations may lose power during an emergency or be evacuated during an emergency. Remember to park you car facing out.
- What about my pets? If you are evacuating to a shelter, many shelter sites only allow service animals. Some may allow pets but they must be kept in approved carriers or cages.
During
During an Evacuation
Listen to the radio, watch the news, and follow official government communications about evacuation instructions.
Official government communications may come from AC Alert, Genasys Protect, or through radio and TV.
If there is time, we may conduct evacuations in stages so those in the most danger can get out first. Know Your Zone, follow instructions, leave if you don't feel safe even if there is no order for your neighborhood.
Remember:
- Take your Go Bag
- Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather or road congestion
- Take your pets with you but understand that most shelters only allow service animals.
- If your household is not together, leave a note telling others where you are going or provide that information to your out of area emergency contact
- If you have time, secure your home, lock doors and windows, shut off utilities if instructed to do so or you know of damage to your power, water, or gas lines
- Follow recommended evacuation routes. Public safety personnel may instruct you to take a specific route to avoid a hazard or dangerous condition
- Take only one vehicle to reduce congestion on the roads
After
After an Evacuation
Make sure you have the go ahead to return home before entering your neighborhood. Even though the disaster may have passed, your neighborhood might not have the infrastructure restored to ensure you can return safely.
Once you are allowed home, do a quick walkthrough around the property. Keep an eye out for gas leaks, water leaks, downed trees, cracks in the walls or foundation, or other signs that it is not safe. If your gas is shut off, make sure you call a licensed professional or your utility company to have it turned back on.
As you begin the recovery and cleanup process, make sure you're aware of your insurance company's policies on discarding damaged items. They may require you to photograph or document these items before tossing it.
Continue to monitor the news and government communications. There may be information about further hazards that arise or recovery assistance programs that may become available later in the recovery process.
Remember to replenish any used, damaged, or expired items in your emergency kit as soon as possible so that you are prepared for the next incident.