Evacuation

In certain circumstances it might be necessary for you to evacuate your home and you will need to consider what things you will need to take with you and what you should do before leaving your home. 

What to take with you

• Any medication you might need.
• Glasses or contact lenses and hearing aid.
• Keys for your home, your car or your place of work.
• Valuables.
• Credit and debit cards and cash.
• Passport and other important documents.
• Change of clothing and footwear.
• Sanitary supplies (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste etc).
• Any necessary items for babies, children, disabled or elderly persons.
• Mobile phone programmed with essential numbers, together with a charger.
• Portable radio and batteries.
• Any items necessary for your pets.

The need to evacuate your home could arise with little or no warning.  It is recommended that you make arrangements in advance with friends or relatives that they will provide alternative accommodation for you for the duration of the evacuation.

What to do before you leave

If time permits, there are a number of actions you should take before leaving your home.

• Ensure that all appliances are turned off
• Turn off all mains supplies to your property (switching off the electricity supply could affect the operation of any intruder alarm)
• Securely lock all doors and windows.
• In winter, drain the water system to avoid problems of freezing pipes.
• Advise friends and relatives where you are going.
• If possible, arrange for friends or family to care for your pets

Evacuation of your home could result in family members losing contact with each other.  It is worth discussing and agreeing with your family where you would meet in such circumstances.  This could be the home of a friend or family member.

Evacuation Centres

Wakefield Council has arrangements in place to accommodate people displaced from their homes in emergency situations if you cannot find accommodation for yourself.  Usually the emergency services will advise you of the need for evacuation and direct you to an assembly point away from your home.  The Council will, if necessary, provide transport from the assembly point to an evacuation centre (know as rest centres). 

Rest centres are schools or sports centres set up to provide temporary accommodation and feeding.

Wakefield Council maintains a store of equipment for use in rest centres including sleeping bags, temporary beds, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, towels etc.  Arrangements will be made with the Council’s catering service for meals to be provided and with the voluntary organisations for basic refreshments. 

If the evacuation lasts for more than one night, every effort will be made by Council staff to arrange for more appropriate longer term accommodation, in the short term usually in local hotels.

Pets are not usually allowed in rest centres (other than dogs for the blind or hard of hearing) and therefore you are advised to make advance arrangements for their care elsewhere. If this is not possible the Council will make every effort to make alternative arrangements for your pets. 

If you are evacuated from your home to a rest centre and you have special medical needs, you will need to advise the centre staff immediately so that they can make the necessary arrangements for you.