Sheltering and Evacuating

Learn the important tasks to take before, during, and after shelters and evacuations.

Being prepared to shelter or evacuate starts with planning ahead of time and then staying informed about what’s happening in your area and understanding your risks. Staying aware is only the foundation—there are many additional steps involved in readiness. By taking these steps, you can be better equipped to handle any shelter‑in‑place situation or evacuation.

Planning your shelter and Evacuation plan

Sheltering in place can happen at any time, in any location, and sometimes for an unknown duration. That’s why it’s important to think ahead and create multiple sheltering plans based on the places you spend the most time, such as your home or workplace. Establishing a plan and maintaining an emergency supply kit form the foundation of all effective sheltering. If you’re equipped with enough water, food, and essential supplies to last several days, you’re already on the right track. Preparation helps ensure that everyone knows what to do and where to go when a shelter‑in‑place situation occurs.

When a shelter at home order is issued, you should stay inside your home or the building you are already in and keep away from potential hazards outside. Having a shelter at home plan is essential—emergencies can occur with little warning, and you may not always be able to evacuate safely. A well‑prepared plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go within the home.

Before a shelter at home situation occurs, the following indicators and steps can help guide your planning and ensure you are ready ahead of time.

Step 1: Determine a Safe Room

Choose an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows, like a basement or bathroom.

Step 2: Plan Communications

Designate an out-of-state contact for everyone to check in with. Also plan on how you will keep in contact with neighbors and other community members throughout the stay at home period.

Step 3: Assign Roles

Decide who gathers information from elected officials and local news, supplies, manages pets, and helps children.

Step 4: Practice Your Plan

Run drills so everyone knows what to do quickly and calmly.

Review these plans with your household or anyone else who shares those spaces with you at least every 6 months.

According to FEMA, Shelter-in-place involves the use of a structure, including homes, to temporarily separate individuals from a hazard or threat. Shelter-in-place is appropriate when conditions require that individuals seek protection in their homes, places of employment, or other locations when a hazard or threat is imminent or occurring. Individuals with access and functional needs should be a priority for restoration of services and safety checks, as they may be at greater risk throughout a prolonged shelter-in-place order.

When populations shelter in place, jurisdictions reduce costs, resource requirements, and negative impacts of evacuations, while promoting improved response and quicker re-entry and recovery.

Sheltering in place can happen at a moment’s notice, anywhere and anytime. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in another familiar location, there may be situations where staying put is the safest option.

That’s why it’s important to have a shelter-in-place plan for every area where you spend significant time in. Your plan should include the following steps.

Step 1: Determine a Safe Room

Choose an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows, like a basement or bathroom.

Step 2: Plan Communications

Designate an out-of-state contact for everyone to check in with. Also plan on how you will keep in contact with neighbors and other community members throughout the stay at home period.

Step 3: Assign Roles

Decide who gathers information from elected officials and local news, supplies, manages pets, and helps children.

Step 4: Practice Your Plan

Run drills so everyone knows what to do quickly and calmly.

Review these plans with your household, coworkers, or anyone else who shares those spaces with you.

Mass care shelters play a vital role in supporting disaster survivors by providing essentials like food, water, medicine, and sanitation. Mass care is mobilized and conducts
operations throughout an incident to establish shelters and provide other services. Not every evacuation necessitates a robust mass care operation; it is most commonly conducted during long-lasting events. During mass shelter operations, mass care may consist of mobile commodity distribution or the establishment of hubs for evacuees to obtain food, water, and information during evacuations.

However, these resources may be limited or not tailored to your specific needs. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead of time your specific needs in your own emergency supply kit to ensure you’re fully prepared.

When Shelters Open:

There are areas in Onondaga County identified as potential mass care shelters. However, they are not advertised ahead of time due to lessons learned in other parts of the country, where shelters have occasionally been impacted by the very storm or incident occurring. Shelter locations and opening times will be announced through county alerts, local media, and official social media channels. Follow instructions from emergency officials and head to the nearest open shelter if advised.

What to Expect:

Mass Care Shelters provide safe, supervised sleeping areas for anyone displaced during an emergency. They offer food, water, and basic supplies to ensure residents have what they need while staying there. Medical and behavioral health support are available on site for anyone who requires assistance. Charging stations and regular information updates help residents stay connected and informed. Shelters also include accommodations for individuals with access or functional needs so everyone can remain safe and supported.

What to Bring:

Bring essential items such as medications, personal hygiene supplies, important documents, and comfort items for children. If you arrive without belongings, you will still be welcomed and supported.

Pets and Service Animals:

Shelter options for pets may vary. Some locations support co‑located pet shelters or partner with animal care agencies. Service animals are always permitted.

Staying Informed:

Updates on shelter status, conditions, and next steps will be shared through county alerts, official social media, and local news outlets.

Onondaga County does not have a designated building for community members to evacuate to. It will be determined on a case by case basis.

Once an evacuation is ordered, FEMA says it’s critical to “Be in the Know.” That includes being aware of incoming hazards, or where to evacuate to. By staying informed to announcements made by elected officials telling communities if an evacuation needs to take place, or watching local news to continue to monitor the weather, disaster, or serious incident that’s potentially about to occur or has occurred.

Being in the Know:

The basis of being in the know is understanding your areas risk and knowing when to leave and where to go. Your evacuation plan should include several pre-designated locations like a friends house or a pre-designated shelter.

Know What to Bring:

Build a go-bag with all the essentials you might need, so you don’t need to scramble in an evacuation situation. To find a list click here. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the bag is stored, and who is responsible for it in the event of an emergency.

Other Tips Before an Evacuation

If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.

Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.

Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.

Come up with a family/household plan to stay in touch in case you become separated; have a meeting place and update it depending on the circumstance.

Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation. Prepare a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling longer distances if you have a car.

If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Decide with family, friends or your local emergency management office to see what resources may be available.

Having a clear plan in place can save valuable time—and most importantly, lives. Planning out ahead of time tasks like knowing what needs to be in your to go-bag and where you will store it will make sure you are not scrambling during an emergency.

Emergencies can separate families without warning. A reunification plan helps ensure that everyone knows how to reconnect quickly and safely, whether the disruption is caused by an evacuation, shelter‑in‑place order, school closure, or communication outage. Planning ahead reduces stress, speeds up recovery, and helps emergency responders focus on those who need immediate assistance.

Creating Your Reunification Plan

Start by identifying the people you need to reconnect with after an emergency. Choose at least one meeting location near your home and another outside your neighborhood in case local roads or buildings are unsafe. Make sure every family member knows these locations and understands when to use each one.

Select an out‑of‑area contact who can help relay information if local phone lines are overloaded. Share this person’s name and number with all household members, including children who are old enough to memorize or carry it. If someone becomes separated, they should check in with this contact as soon as they are able.

Include schools, workplaces, and care providers in your plan. Confirm how each organization communicates during emergencies and where they relocate children or staff if evacuation becomes necessary. Make sure your reunification plan aligns with their procedures so everyone knows what to expect.

Returning to home typically marks the transition to recovery activities. This phase may follow the re-entry of first responders, if the threat or hazard was significant enough to require first responders to evacuate, or will begin once first responders have stabilized the area to a point where residents can return.

When returning to disaster‑affected areas, be prepared for disruptions to daily routines and remember that going home before storm debris is cleared can be dangerous. Before you travel, let friends or family know when you’re leaving and when you arrive. Make sure your devices are fully charged and consider carrying backup batteries in case power outages continue. Fill your gas tank and use a fuel‑tracking app to check for station outages along your route.

Bring essential supplies such as water and non‑perishable food for the drive. Stay clear of downed power or utility lines, as they may still be energized, and report them immediately to your utility provider. If using a generator, operate it only outdoors and away from your home—never inside a house or garage, and never connect it directly to your home’s electrical system.

What to do During a Shelter & Evacuation

Tasks to Consider While Sheltering:

Assess the situation:

Use common sense and any available information to determine if there is immediate danger. If the air appears contaminated or officials issue warnings, begin sheltering right away.

Stay informed:

Local authorities may not have full details immediately. Keep monitoring trusted local media for updates and instructions as they become available.

Bring everyone inside:

Get all family members and pets indoors quickly.

Secure your space:

Lock doors and close all windows, air vents, and fireplace dampers. Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced‑air heating systems to prevent outside air from entering.

Use your emergency kit:

Take your emergency supply kit with you unless you believe it may have been exposed to contamination.

Move to an interior room:

Choose a room with as few windows as possible.

Seal the room:

Use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal windows, doors, and vents. Tape corners first, then secure all edges. If gaps remain, improvise with available materials to create a barrier between you and outside air.

A Temporary Protective Measure:

Sealing a room is a short‑term safety step designed to protect you from potentially contaminated air. It’s meant to keep you safe until authorities provide further instructions or the danger passes.

Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your local area.

Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.

Take your emergency supply kit.

Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.

Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.

Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.

If time allows: Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.

Take your pets with you but understand that only service animals may be allowed in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.

Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked.

Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.

Executing Your Return to Home Plan

If an emergency occurs, follow official instructions first. Authorities may direct you to shelter in place, evacuate, or avoid certain areas. Once you are safe, begin using your reunification plan. Contact your out‑of‑area point person if local communication is limited, and share your location and status as soon as possible.

If you are separated from a family member, go to your designated meeting location only when it is safe to travel. If conditions are still hazardous, stay where you are and continue monitoring official updates. Emergency responders may also establish reunification points for larger incidents; follow their guidance if these locations are announced.

Reuniting After the Emergency:

When conditions improve and authorities confirm it is safe to move, follow your plan to reconnect with loved ones. If a family member is at a school, workplace, or care facility, follow their reunification procedures and bring identification if required. Be patient—staff may need time to verify identities and ensure everyone is accounted for. If you cannot locate a family member, contact local law enforcement, or designated reunification centers for assistance. Provide as much information as possible, including names, last known locations, and any medical or access needs.

Staying Connected Moving Forward:

After reuniting, take time to review what worked well and what could be improved. Update your reunification plan with any new information, and make sure every family member understands the changes. A clear, practiced plan helps ensure that no matter what happens, your household has a reliable way to reconnect.

Returning Home After an Evacuation:

When officials announce that it is safe to return, follow a careful process to protect yourself and your family. Conditions may still be unstable, and hazards can remain even after the immediate danger has passed.

Wait for Official Clearance:

Only go home once local authorities confirm that it is safe. Updates will be shared through county alerts, official social media, and local news outlets so residents know exactly when reentry is allowed.

Travel Safely:

Use caution on the way back. Roads may be blocked, damaged, or covered with debris, and emergency crews may still be working in the area. Follow detours and instructions from responders, and never drive around barricades.

Inspect Your Home Carefully:

Before entering, look for visible damage and signs of danger. Check for structural issues, gas leaks, electrical hazards, or flooding. If anything seems unsafe, stay out of the building and contact the appropriate utility or emergency service for help.

Restore Your Living Space:

Once inside, take steps to make your home safe again. Ventilate the space by opening windows, remove spoiled food or contaminated items, and document any damage for insurance or assistance claims. Follow utility company guidance before turning power or gas back on.

Check on Neighbors:

If it is safe to do so, check in with nearby residents, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and families who may need additional support during recovery.

Stay Informed:

Continue monitoring official updates, as conditions can change quickly. Authorities will provide information on hazards, utility restoration, recovery resources, and any additional steps residents may need to take.

Take Care of Your Well‑Being:

Returning home after an evacuation can be stressful. It is normal to feel overwhelmed. Reach out to community support services or behavioral health resources if you need help during the recovery process.

If damage occurred to your home while gone or during the shelter there are important steps to follow to make the restoration process smoother. Your first step after returning home from an evacuation or shelter‑in‑place event is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Ask what documentation they need and what steps you should take before cleaning or repairing anything.

Many insurers recommend working with companies that specialize in assessing and restoring disaster‑related damage. Request trusted referrals from your insurance provider and make sure you understand what costs are covered and what expenses you may be responsible for. When speaking with any restoration company, always ask for a written estimate before work begins.

*Credit: Portions of the information on this page are adapted from FEMA and Ready.gov resources. Their materials were used as foundational guidance and adapted to provide Onondaga County–specific preparedness information.