Prepare for evacuation
In some emergencies the authorities may recommend evacuating your home. You will not always have a lot of time to act. So it is important that you should be prepared for a possible evacuation.
An emergency at your home:
- Make an emergency plan for your house. Make sure the whole family knows where the emergency exits are, and where they can go in an emergency.
- In your plan, pay extra attention to family members with special needs, e.g. the elderly, children, people with a disability.
- Keep house keys close to the door.
- Prepare an emergency kit that you can take with you in case of emergency. Include important documents, e.g. copies of identity cards or insurance contracts.
- Practice your plan regularly with your whole family. For instance, finding your way outside in case of heavy smoke (blindfolded) can be difficult.
An emergency in your neighbourhood
When and where to evacuate?
- Never evacuate on your own initiative, wait for the instruction from the emergency services.
- You evacuate to:
- Friends or relatives living outside the affected area. Talk to these people beforehand, to see if they agree to be a contact for your and your family in emergencies.
- A reception centre will be set up (often a sports centre or banqueting hall). The emergency services on the spot will give you the necessary information.
- Friends or relatives living outside the affected area. Talk to these people beforehand, to see if they agree to be a contact for your and your family in emergencies.
How should I evacuate?
- You will generally evacuate using your own vehicle.
- It is possible that a bus service will be arranged to transport evacuated local residents to a reception centre. If that is the case, you will be informed about it by the emergency services on the spot.
How long does an evacuation last?
How much time you will spend away from your home, depends on the type of emergency. As soon as the situation is deemed to be safe again, the return will be arranged. This may be after a few hours, but may also last several days.
What should I take with me?
- Your identity card, and those of your children
- Personal possessions for you and all your family members, to spend at least one night with your friends or at a reception centre
- Your medication, if you or a family member are undergoing treatment which requires it
- Your mobile phone, a charger
- If you have young children, don't forget their feeding bottles, milk, nappies, etc. as well as toys, so that they can keep occupied
Am I allowed to take my pets with me?
It is possible that you are allowed to bring small pets. If that is not the case, please give them sufficient food and water for 24 hours. If the evacuation order should be extended, then the authorities will give appropriate instructions for your pets.
How can I leave my house safe?
- Don't leave electrical appliances switched on, e.g. coffee machine, iron, ... Your refrigerator and freezer can stay switched on;
- Lock windows and doors. If you have an alarm, switch this on.
Rest assured: during the evacuation, the local police services in evacuated areas will take appropriate security measures.
How will I find out that the evacuation order has been withdrawn?
- If you are at a reception centre, the contact on the spot will give you that information;
- If you are with family or friends, you can find out information via the websites of the municipality, by listening to the radio or calling a helpline if this option is provided.
