For some chemical incidents, people may need to evacuate or shelter-in-place to prevent them from being exposed and/or contaminated. Making a recommendation for sheltering or evacuations is not always easy, even when relevant information is available. Many factors are involved in these decisions, including geography and topography, population density and location, and water movement or prevailing winds, in addition to the characteristics of the released substances. Then, processes for determining safe distances, devising evacuation procedures, and developing comprehensive emergency public communications strategies will require focused consideration.
Authorities should plan strategies to transport individuals to evacuation/shelter sites and for staffing such sites. Sheltered individuals must be ensured adequate food, water, sanitation, medical care, and protection from the elements when extended (multi-hour) sheltering-in-place is warranted. The needs of evacuees will be greater and require complex and detailed planning. Most of these needs will be similar to those for evacuees from natural disasters; however, the potential need for decontamination of evacuees in chemical incidents must be considered and planned for. (See also KPF 5, Augment Provision of Mass Care and Human Services to the Affected Population for further considerations, such as staffing services in a chemical incident.)