You have to leave
Fire, flood, a chemical spill down the road. Minutes matter.
Five minutes
- People, pets, go bags, phones, medicine, keys, wallet.
- Shoes on, coats on, out.
If you have longer
- Switch off water, gas and power if told to.
- Lock up. Leave a note saying where you went.
- Take documents, chargers and something for the children.
On the way
- Follow the official route even if your sat-nav disagrees.
- Tell your out-of-area contact where you are heading.
- Keep the fuel tank above half all year so this part is easy.
More from official sources
Updated 9 October 2026.