In any serious emergency, emergency responders likely will advise you to do one of two things: to evacuate, or to shelter in place. Your safety will depend on following those instructions and understanding what they mean. Detailed information about whether to stay put or to evacuate is available online. please familiarize yourself with this information. Your natural instinct may be to flee in an emergency. But emergency planners in our region say they are more likely to recommend sheltering in place than evacuating because that is the appropriate response for the kinds of disasters most likely to happen here—namely, man-made transportation accidents involving hazardous materials. Baltimore County does not have established evacuation routes. Precise evacuation routes will depend on the nature and location of the emergency. Make sure you monitor TV and radio news for instructions from local authorities; don't forget to keep a battery-powered radio so you can receive instructions during a power outage. Prepare a family evacuation plan.  | | Revised August 27, 2009 |
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