Evacuation Route Planning: The Fastest Path Out When Every Second Counts

Most people wait until the last minute to figure out how they’re leaving an area—and that’s exactly why they end up stuck in traffic, trapped by road closures, or driving straight into danger. Planning evacuation routes ahead of time removes the guesswork and gives your family a clear, fast path out.

For what to actually pack once you start loading the car, see Evacuation Loading Priorities.

1. Know the Disasters in Your Area

Route planning depends on what you’re likely to face. Identify whether you’re in a zone for:

• Wildfires
• Flooding
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Chemical or industrial accidents
• Earthquakes (roads may be damaged)

Each hazard changes which routes stay safe and which ones become deadly.

2. Build Three Different Routes

Never rely on one exit. You need:

• Primary Route: Fastest and simplest way out
• Secondary Route: Avoids major roads, meant for congestion
• Tertiary (Last-Resort) Route: Back roads or alternate directions

If your main route is the same one everyone else will take, expect immediate gridlock.

3. Avoid Known Choke Points

Certain locations always jam up during evacuations:

• Bridges
• Tunnels
• Highway merges
• Narrow canyon roads
• Busy intersections

If your primary route uses one of these, your backup routes should avoid them entirely.

4. Map Safe Zones and Destinations

Don’t just pick a road—pick a destination:

• Friend or family home outside the hazard zone
• Hotel cluster with multiple options
• Official evacuation shelters

You need somewhere safe to go after you leave the danger zone.

5. Plan for Special Road Closures

Some disasters cause predictable road closures:

• Wildfires may close roads based on wind direction
• Floods cut off low-lying bridges first
• Hurricanes often reverse highways for outbound traffic

Your plan should account for which roads disappear first.

6. Practice Your Routes

Drive them when the weather is good and traffic is normal. You want to know:

• Where the bottlenecks are
• Where construction zones appear
• How long each route realistically takes
• Where gas stations and stores are located along the way

Practice prevents hesitation during the real thing.

7. Keep Maps in the Car

GPS fails. Cell towers fail. You still need to navigate. Keep:

• Printed maps of your region
• A state highway map
• A compass (optional but smart)

A dead phone shouldn’t end your evacuation.

8. Keep Fuel Above Half a Tank

Evacuations often involve sitting in traffic or driving long distances. Don’t let your tank drop below half—ever.

If you're prepping your vehicle, also check out Car Emergency Kit Basics.

9. Plan for Pets

Pets complicate evacuations if you don’t plan ahead. Know:

• Which hotels accept pets
• Which shelters allow or reject animals
• Where your carriers and leashes are kept

Pets should never delay your departure.

10. Communication During Evacuations

Family members may become separated. Use:

• Pre-set meeting points
• A shared map of the planned routes
• An out-of-town contact person

For more, see Family Communication Plan Basics.

11. Bottom Line

Evacuation isn’t complicated—it’s just stressful. Planning your routes early removes most of the panic and gives your family a clear path to follow. Build three routes, practice them, keep your car ready, and leave before everyone else decides to flee at the same time.