Evacuating a city isn’t something most of us plan for. We’re urbanites—we’re supposed to be worrying about where to get the best oat milk latte, not how to flee for our lives. But life throws curveballs, like wildfires in Southern California or recent Florida hurricanes. If you ever need to leave your home in a hurry, here’s how to do it without turning into a stress puddle.
Don’t ignore the news. If the local authorities are telling you to evacuate, they’re not doing it for fun. Nobody wakes up thinking, “This town needs a mass evacuation today!” When the alerts come through, take them seriously. But don’t panic—panicking is for people who forgot to charge their phones and can’t drive on a straight road without Google directions.
If you’re the kind of person who packs six outfits for a weekend trip, this part is going to be hard. You need a go-bag—a small, ready-to-grab backpack or duffel that holds all the essentials. And by “essentials,” I don’t mean your designer silk shirts.
Here’s the short list:
—Water and Snacks: Not the fancy stuff—think granola bars, nuts, and enough water to keep you hydrated if you end up in traffic.
—Documents: Copies of your ID, insurance papers, and anything else that says, “I exist, and I own that house you saw on the news.”
—Clothes: One change, plus sturdy shoes. Those flip-flops won’t do you any favors when you’re hoofing it.
—Chargers: Your phone’s useless if it’s dead. Bring a charger and a power bank, too, because you know the charger will stop working when you need it.
—Medications: Don’t be the person who has to explain to a stranger why they’re coughing their lungs out or why they’re jittery without their meds. Keep this bag somewhere you can grab it fast. Hall closet? Trunk of your car?
This is not the time to wing it. You need a plan. Ideally, you’ll know a couple of safe routes out of your area, because nothing screams “bad day” like sitting in gridlock on the only road out. Have a destination in mind—maybe Aunt Carol’s house, maybe a cheap motel, maybe just a parking lot far enough away that you’re safe.
GPS is great, but technology will fail you at the worst moment. Keep an old-school map handy, and if you don’t know how to read one, now’s a great time to learn.
Evacuating isn’t just about you. Check on your neighbors, especially the ones who might need help—like the elderly guy down the hall or the single mom juggling three kids and a dog. A little kindness goes a long way.
Stay calm. Don’t be that guy honking and screaming in traffic. If you’re stuck in a jam, roll down the windows, blast some music, and pretend you’re on a weird road trip.
Once you’ve reached safety, check in with local authorities about letting people know where you are and when it’s safe to return. Don’t rush back just because you’re worried about your houseplants. Firefighters and first responders know what they’re doing—trust them. When you do get back, take things slow. Document any damage for insurance purposes, and be ready for some cleanup.
Evacuating doesn’t have to be a disaster on top of a disaster. With a little planning, a sense of humor, and maybe a well-timed snack break, you can handle it. Think of it as an adventure—not the kind you wanted, but the kind you’re ready for. Remember: When life gives you wildfires, you grab your go-bag, take the scenic route, and live to tell the tale.