City of Sammamish

How to Prepare for an Evacuation

Evacuations can happen at a moment’s notice due to natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, or other emergencies. Being prepared in advance can make a significant difference in your safety and peace of mind when evacuation orders are issued. Follow these steps to ensure you are ready for an evacuation at any time. While this list is to be a helpful resource, if you are told to evacuate immediately, please do so.

1. Create an Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with the essential supplies you'll need if you have to leave quickly. The kit should be compact, portable, and include enough supplies for at least 72 hours. Key items to include are:

Water (one gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food (high-energy foods like granola bars, dried fruits, and canned goods)
Prescription medications and first-aid supplies
Flashlights and extra batteries
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, hand sanitizer)
Blankets, sleeping bags, or pillows
Important documents (insurance, ID, medical records) stored in a waterproof bag
Cash (ATMs may be down during emergencies)
Maps of the local area and evacuation routes
Charging cables for devices
Pet supplies if you have animals
Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA radio if possible)

2. Stay Informed

Any decisions related to evacuation orders will be made by the City Manager in conjunction with King County or State Emergency Officials. This will be communicated through the City's website and through the City's Social Media channels.
Sign Up for Alert King County.
It is free to sign up and can help you stay informed about potential hazards and threats in the area.
Monitor News and Radio.
AM radio stations continue to function during power outages, providing critical updates and information to the public. Sammamish residents can tune into AM 540.

3. Make a Family Evacuation Plan

Communication is crucial in an evacuation. Discuss the following with your household:

Meeting Locations: Choose a few meeting spots in case you're separated. One should be near your home, and others should be farther away in case you need to evacuate the area.
Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple routes for evacuating your area. Familiarize everyone with different routes in case some roads are blocked or unsafe.
Family Contact Information: Make sure everyone knows how to contact each other. If phone lines are down, try text messaging or social media platforms.
Pet Care: Plan for how to care for your pets. Many shelters won’t accept animals, so find a pet-friendly hotel or a friend’s house outside the affected area in advance.

4. Know the Local Evacuation Routes

The City of Sammamish is vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters that could necessitate an evacuation. In such scenarios, evacuation plans will likely be location and incident specific. The Sammamish Police Department, the City Manager, and Eastside Fire & Rescue will collaborate closely to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate actions so it is important to stay informed through the options in step 2.
Below is a map of evacuation routes.

5. Secure Your Home Before Leaving

Before evacuating, take quick steps to secure your home to minimize damage. *Note: Do not put you or your family in danger. If you are told to leave immediately, please do so.

Turn off Utilities: Turn off your gas, water, and electricity to prevent fires or flooding from causing more damage.
Lock Doors and Windows: Close and lock windows and doors to prevent damage or theft while you’re away.
Protect Valuables: If time permits, take valuable documents and irreplaceable items with you. If not, move them to the highest and safest area in your home.

6. Evacuating Special Needs or Vulnerable Individuals

If you or someone in your household has special needs, ensure that the following are addressed:

Mobility Devices: If someone uses a wheelchair or other mobility aids, plan for transportation that can accommodate these needs.
Medical Equipment: Make arrangements to take any required medical equipment (such as oxygen tanks or dialysis machines) with you if needed.
Caregivers: Arrange for caregivers or family members to assist those with mobility, medical, or other needs during evacuation.

If you need information or support with disability or related services, please reach out Arc of King County at ask@arcofkingcounty.org or 206-829-7053.

7. Practice Your Evaluation Plan

Once you've made an evacuation plan, practice it regularly. Have family members practice walking through evacuation routes and packing your emergency kit. Running evacuation drills can help reduce panic during a real emergency.

8. After the Evacuation

Once you've evacuated, follow these steps:

Stay Inside: Avoid returning home until it is officially deemed safe by authorities.
Stay Informed: Continue monitoring emergency alerts to receive updates on when it's safe to return home or where to go next.
Look for Shelter: If your home is unsafe or you’re unable to return, seek shelter at a local evacuation center, hotel, or with friends and family outside the affected area.

While no one can predict when an evacuation might be needed, preparation can give you confidence and clarity during a stressful time. By planning ahead, creating an emergency kit, staying informed, and practicing your evacuation plan, you'll be ready to act quickly when an evacuation order is issued. For more information on evacuation and emergency preparedness, visit Ready.gov.