Emergency Evacuation Order Template

Plain Language Version

Use this for urgent evacuations.

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EVACUATION ORDER

Date: [Insert date]
Time: [Insert time]
Issued by: [Your agency name]

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LEAVE NOW

Leave in: [X hours / X minutes]

Danger: [Fire / Flood / Chemical spill / Other]

Location: [Streets or zones]

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WHO MUST LEAVE

Leave if you are in:

• [Zone A]
• [Zone B]
• [Zone C]

[Link to map] [Map]

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WHERE TO GO

Go to [Building name].

Address:
[Street address]
[City]

At shelter:

• Water
• Food
• Beds
• Bathrooms
• [Medical / Pets]

[Link to directions] [Directions]

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HOW TO GET THERE

By car: Take [Highway] to [Street].

No car? Bus picks you up at [Location].
Bus leaves every [30 minutes].

Need help? Call: [Phone]
Text: [Phone]

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WHAT TO BRING

Bring only:

1. Photo ID
2. Medicine
3. Phone charger
4. One change of clothes
5. Important papers (if time)

Pets: Bring pets. We have space.

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BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Do this:

1. Turn off gas (if safe)
2. Lock doors
3. Tell a friend

Do NOT:

• Go back
• Stop for gas
• Take photos

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ROAD CLOSURES

Closed roads:

• [Road]
• [Road]

Use these:

• [Road]
• [Road]

[Link to map] [Safe routes]

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WHEN YOU ARRIVE

1. Go to registration
2. Give name and address
3. Staff will help

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

We will:

• Keep you safe
• Update you every [X hours]
• Tell you when safe to return

You can:

• Stay as long as needed
• Call family free
• Get help

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QUESTIONS?

Call: [Phone] (24/7)
Text: [Phone] (For Deaf)
Email: [Email]
Web: [URL]

Languages: Press [1] for English
Press [2] for French
Press [3] for Spanish
[Add others]

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IMPORTANT

You must leave.

This is mandatory.

Your safety is our priority.

We will help.

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Last updated: [Date and time]

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Easy Read Version

Use this for people with intellectual disabilities or low literacy.

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YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR HOUSE

Why?

There is danger.

[Fire / Flood / Chemical spill] is coming.

It is not safe to stay.

Who?

Everyone at:

• [Simple street name]
• [Simple street name]

[Picture of area on map]

When?

Leave now.

You have [X] hours.

Where to go?

Go to [Building name].

The address is [Street number] [Street name].

[Picture of the building]

How?

Have a car?
Drive to [Building name].

No car?
Go to [Street corner].
A bus will take you.

Need help?
Call [Phone number].
We will help.

What to bring?

Bring:

• Your ID
• Your medicine
• Your phone

Bring your pets.

At [Building name]

You will have:

• Food
• Water
• A bed
• A bathroom

Questions?

Call [Phone number].

We will help you.

You must leave

It is not safe to stay.

We will keep you safe.

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Accessible Formats

Available in:

• Large print (18pt+)
• High contrast
• Screen reader
• Print
• SMS
• Audio
• Sign language

Translation Notes

When translating:

• Short sentences (under 15 words)
• Common words
• Keep lists
• Keep warnings
• Grade 6 max

Customization Guidelines

Required

Include:

• Date, time
• Agency
• Areas
• Deadline
• Shelter
• Transport
• Phone

Optional

If relevant:

• Pets
• Medical
• Closures
• Routes

Avoid

Skip:

• Legal text
• Tech words
• Many phones
• Web checks

Testing

Before use:

1. Grade 6 check
2. Screen reader test
3. Print test
4. New person test
5. Translation test

Distribution

Use all:

Digital: Alerts, social, email, SMS

Physical: Doors, boards, speakers, radio

Access: TTY, sign, print, audio

Legal

Plain language is valid.

Check your team.

Credits

Follows WCAG 2.2 AA, Plain Language, Easy Read, CAN-ASC-6.4.

License

Public domain.

Use freely.

Modify freely.

Share widely.

Goal: Save lives with clear words.