Evacuation Planning: PACE Model, Routes, and Family Protocol

PACE stands for Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency. Primary: Your first choice route out of the area. Alternate: Second route if primary is blocked. Contingency: Third route for major obstacles. Emergency: Final route using any available means (on foot, water, unconventional paths). Map all four routes on paper now, before crisis strikes. Test each route to identify actual travel time, chokepoints, and current conditions. Update routes quarterly.

Do not rely on GPS or digital maps only. Keep printed maps showing all four routes, marked with landmarks, landmarks, time estimates, and fuel stops.

Prepare a backpack weighing 15-25 lbs (one per family member) containing: water (1 liter), high-calorie food (energy bars, nuts), first aid kit, medications (7-day supply minimum), flashlight with extra batteries, multi-tool, N95 masks, change of clothes, sturdy shoes, cash ($500+), phone charger (portable battery), whistle, ducktape, paracord, fire starter, ID/passport copies, emergency contact list on paper. Store near exits. Practice carrying and moving with it.

Liquid restrictions: Keep water in separate container outside bag if flying. Update perishable items (food, medications, batteries) every 6 months.

Establish a meeting point outside your immediate area (not near home, workplace, or likely fallout zones). Choose a secondary meeting point 50+ miles away. Assign a contact person (relative or friend outside the region) for family members to call when separated. Write all details on waterproof cards and distribute to each family member. Practice the protocol twice yearly. Arrange code words to verify identity if communication is degraded. Plan for those without vehicles or mobility; arrange transport contingency.

Cell networks may fail. Establish call-in protocols with your designated contact person, not just text messages.

Evacuate if: incoming fire/shelling, mandatory evacuation orders, structural collapse risk, severe flooding, gas leaks, or deteriorating immediate safety. Shelter in place if: brief local unrest, temporary sirens, distant threat, or you lack safe route. Listen to emergency broadcasts for official guidance. Have a written decision tree posted at home showing specific triggers for each action. Discuss with family now, before stress clouds judgment. Teach children the protocol.

Delay evacuation only if it genuinely reduces risk. Waiting for certainty can be fatal. Leave early if any doubt exists.

Collect originals or certified copies: birth certificates, passports, government ID, property deeds, insurance policies, medical records, proof of citizenship, marriage certificates, banking information (account numbers, institution names), property photos for insurance claims. Store copies in waterproof container in bug-out bag. Keep originals in safe deposit box or secure home location. Photograph all documents with your phone and email to yourself or cloud storage accessible offline (download to a device). Consider storing documents at a trusted location outside your region.

Do not carry originals unless absolutely necessary. Replace originals annually if exposed to moisture.