Compulsory Evacuation

State Law

• On September 1, 2009, a state law took affect in Texas, giving county and city leaders the authority to make citizens leave the area during mandatory evacuations. "Reasonable" force can be used to manage the evacuation. If a person does not evacuate, and subsequently must be rescued, the person can face civil charges. Because rescue costs are so high for equipment like boats, emergency personnel and helicopters, the local community can file to reclaim money expended on the rescue.

Federal Authority

• The federal government does not dictate policy for individual states. The federal government can take "extraordinary powers" if required. This can include activities such as setting curfews, working with health officials in case of a quarantine, and organizing evacuations via the National Highway System. Additional federal authority during mandatory evacuations includes evacuating federal employees, non-military evacuation for emergency preparedness, evaluating evacuation models, and providing temporary housing when necessary.

Evacuation Considerations

• Preparing for an evacuation takes planning long before an event occurs. The federal, state and local government, along with groups like the American Red Cross and other volunteer groups, must work together to devise a plan.The route to leave a large city is a major pre-planning event. Evacuating large cities with millions of people can prove disastrous without good planning. Decisions have to be made about removing people from nursing homes, staging enough gasoline, and quickly supplying emergency food, water and medical treatment.

The Stafford Act

• People that are required to evacuate may not be able to return to their homes for a long period of time, and some may never be able to return if housing is destroyed. The Stafford Act was created by the federal government to ensure temporary housing if required in hotels, motels, modular units or apartments.

Personal Preparation

• Although many agencies are involved in mandatory evacuations, with so many people mobile in such a short period of time, problems can occur. Personal preparation is essential for success. When the order is given to leave, listen carefully to instructions. You may be told when to evacuate, what route to take, and you may be given other instructions regarding turning off your power and gas. However, you should unplug all devices prior to leaving. Take essential items, such as medication, with you. Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit. In case of floods, use extreme caution on flooded roads. Stay calm and plan on congestion.