Evacuation means that the general population in a specific area is ordered to leave the area. If there were a serious emergency at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, people would be evacuated by Protective Action Zone (PAZ). Find the PAZ for your home or office. It is extremely unlikely that an emergency would require all of the PAZs to evacuate at the same time. It is more likely that any decision to evacuate would involve one or two PAZs.

If you are told to evacuate:
Make sure the zone you are in is one that must evacuate.

Remember, you have plenty of time to leave in a calm manner. Review the checklist as a guide on what to take.

Make a note of the Reception and/or Congregate Care Center for your zone announced over the EAS. If you need a place to stay, you can go there.

Gather everyone at your home. Remember that children in public schools will be moved under adult supervision to School Evacuation Centers. You can meet them there.

Pack to spend three days away from home. Pack only essentials.

If you plan on staying at a Reception Center or Congregate Care Center, leave pets (small animals or birds) inside your home with plenty of food and water. Reception/Congregate Care Centers will not accept pets. If you can stay with friends or relatives outside the area, then take pets with you. Remember to bring pet supplies with you.

Try to shelter farm animals if you have them. Leave water and feed (enough for several days, if possible).

Try to ride with friends or neighbors, or offer transportation to others who may need it. Only call (805) 543-2444 if you urgently need information or transportation assistance during an evacuation.

Drive with your car windows and outside vents closed.

If you need transportation and can't find a ride with a friend or neighbor, walk to the collection point nearest you.

Listen to any local radio station or one of the primary Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations (920 AM, 1400 AM or 98.1 FM) for further instructions.

Do not try to contact or pick up your children at public schools unless you are directed to do so. This could cause traffic and safety problems for children who are being moved. If the Emergency Alert System is activated, listen for information about where children have been moved. Click here for schools and their specific School Evacuation Centers. Children in public schools may be moved before general public protective action is required. If this happens, news reports will provide information on where to pick up your children. (If your children attend a private school, you should check on and learn its emergency procedure.)

Do not turn off gas service to your house unless the EAS stations tell you to do so.

Do not drive a car in poor running condition or one that is nearly out of gas. Try to ride with a friend or neighbor.

Do not use the telephone except to report a life-threatening medical, fire or police emergency.