Evacuation
What to do if you are told to evacuate in the UK: leave quickly and safely, take the essentials, and follow official routes.
WHAT TO DO NOW
- 1Follow instructions from emergency services or the Emergency Alert exactly — leave when told.
- 2Grab your emergency grab bag: ID, medication, phone and charger, cash, keys, water.
- 3Take babies, children, older people and pets with you.
- 4Switch off gas, electricity and water at the mains if there is time and it is safe.
- 5Use the route the authorities give you; do not take shortcuts through hazards.
- 6Tell a friend or relative where you are going; go to the rest centre if one is set up.
What not to do
- Do not go back for belongings once you have left.
- Do not ignore an evacuation instruction or delay to 'wait and see'.
- Do not travel through flood water, fire or cordoned areas.
What is it?
Evacuation is being asked to leave your home or area because staying is unsafe — for example due to fire, flooding, gas leak, chemical incident or structural danger.
What might happen?
Short notice to leave, road closures, cordons, and being away from home for hours or days. Rest centres may be opened by the local authority.
First 10 minutes
Get your grab bag and people/pets together. Switch off utilities if safe. Leave by the official route.
First hour
Register at the rest centre if directed. Keep your phone on for updates. Let family know you are safe. Follow police and local authority instructions.
First 24 hours
Stay away until authorities confirm it is safe to return. Keep receipts for essential spending; contact your insurer if needed.
If it continues for several days
If displaced for longer, the local authority coordinates welfare and accommodation. Keep documents and medication with you throughout.
Children
Keep children close, bring comfort items, and explain calmly that you are going somewhere safe.
Older & vulnerable people
Plan ahead for anyone with mobility needs — arrange help early and bring aids, medication and care details.
Pets
Bring pets, carriers, food, water and vaccination records; most rest centres make arrangements but plan for this.
Communications
Keep your phone charged; agree a single out-of-area contact everyone can check in with if local networks are busy.
Official sources
This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.
- GOV.UK — Prepare Published 2024-06-01