Leave or stay: evacuation, sheltering in place, going high at once, Drop-Cover-Hold-On

Which protective action fits which hazard – leave or stay?

Evacuation on instruction, driving on evacuation routes, sheltering in a closed building from hazardous substances, going to higher ground at once at tsunami warning signs and "Drop, Cover, Hold On" in earthquakes compared. The comparison shows why the same question has opposite answers depending on the hazard. It does not replace a warning: the authorities' instructions always take precedence.

Starting situation

Legend
Method	With very little warning time	Protects from smoke, gas or a hazardous cloud	Protects from spreading water or fire	Feasible for people with limited mobility	Can be triggered without an official warning
Evacuation: following official instructions	Depends	Depends	Yes	Depends	Partly
Evacuating by road: route, fuel, hazards on the way	No	Depends	Partly	Partly	Partly
Chemical or industrial accident: sheltering in place	Yes	Partly	No	Yes	Depends
Tsunami: natural warnings and going high at once	Yes	No	Yes	Depends	Yes
Earthquakes: Drop, Cover, Hold On	Yes	No	No	Depends	Yes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Evacuation: following official instructions

Effort:: Low with a prepared go bag
Needs:: Go bag, documents, medication, plan for pets, contact person

With very little warning timeDepends
With a packed go bag it is quick; without preparation it costs valuable time.
Protects from smoke, gas or a hazardous cloudDepends
Only if the authorities order leaving – with hazardous substances the instruction is often: stay inside.
Protects from spreading water or fireYes
The earlier, the safer.
Feasible for people with limited mobilityDepends
Arrange support in advance with the municipality, care service or neighbours and request it early.
Can be triggered without an official warningPartly
Usually ordered; anyone who feels threatened can leave earlier – for example with wildfire.

Open guide →

Evacuating by road: route, fuel, hazards on the way

Effort:: Moderate – route, fuel, time
Needs:: Vehicle with a full tank, official routes, radio or warning app

With very little warning timeNo
Traffic jams and closures – leaving early is decisive.
Protects from smoke, gas or a hazardous cloudDepends
Do not drive towards smoke or fire.
Protects from spreading water or firePartly
Only when leaving early; never drive through flooded roads.
Feasible for people with limited mobilityPartly
A vehicle carries people, animals and luggage.
Can be triggered without an official warningPartly

Open guide →

Chemical or industrial accident: sheltering in place

Effort:: Low
Needs:: Closed building, interior room, ventilation switched off, radio or warning app

With very little warning timeYes
Can be done at once without equipment.
Protects from smoke, gas or a hazardous cloudPartly
Clearly reduces ingress but is not complete protection during a long release. FFP2 masks do not protect against gases.
Protects from spreading water or fireNo
Feasible for people with limited mobilityYes
Can be triggered without an official warningDepends
Usually triggered by a warning; follow radio or warning app.

Open guide →

Tsunami: natural warnings and going high at once

Effort:: High – on foot at once
Needs:: Knowledge of the natural warning signs and the way to higher ground or inland

With very little warning timeYes
Designed for exactly this: do not wait for a warning.
Protects from smoke, gas or a hazardous cloudNo
Protects from spreading water or fireYes
Feasible for people with limited mobilityDepends
Time can be very short; plan the route and support in advance.
Can be triggered without an official warningYes
Strong or long earthquake at the coast, unusual retreat of the sea, a roar.

Open guide →

Earthquakes: Drop, Cover, Hold On

Effort:: Low; practise
Needs:: A sturdy table if available; a practised reaction

With very little warning timeYes
The reaction during the shaking – do not run outside.
Protects from smoke, gas or a hazardous cloudNo
Protects from spreading water or fireNo
At the coast, go to higher ground at once after the shaking.
Feasible for people with limited mobilityDepends
Adapt to your own abilities; protect head and neck.
Can be triggered without an official warningYes

Open guide →