CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES
DISASTER PLANNING GUIDE
EVACUATION ROUTE PLANNING
In the event that a facility needs to be evacuated during a major incident, it will be essential to provide facility staff with
general guidance on the predetermined evacuation routes away from the potential threat.
The following information provides guidance on geographic evacuation routes that should be considered when moving
facility occupants including residents and staff away from a threatening or hazardous condition/environment.
EXAMPLE: If a major train derailment occurred south of the facility involving hazardous materials and a mandatory
evacuation order was issued for the entire community, transportation of facility occupants would need to be initiated in
a direction other than to the south of the facility where the incident / disaster is occurring. Based on the scope and
severity of an emergency situation or disaster including the availability of community-based resources (fire, EMS,
ambulances, etc.), facilities must be prepared to be self-sufficient and initiate the evacuation process on their own if
traditional resources are not available and the situation requires immediate evacuation.
Note: In California, up to date road conditions can be accessed by calling Caltrans at: 1-800-427-7623 or by going online
at: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/hourlyPage.php
Facility Name:
Facility Address:
Facility Phone Number:
Facility Website:
Corporate Phone Number:
Corporate Website:
Skilled Nursing Facility
Subacute-Care Facilities
Intermediate-Care Facilities (ICFs)
ICFs for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DDs)
Type of Facility:
Institute for Mental Health (SNF/STPs)
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)
Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs)
Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill
Social Rehabilitation Facilities
GENERAL EVACUATION ROUTE GUIDANCE:
(Provide simple instructions citing evacuation routes in the following geographic directions)
Primary Evacuation Route: NORTH

Alternate Evacuation Route: NORTH

CAHF-DPP
Page 1 of 2
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES
DISASTER PLANNING GUIDE
EVACUATION ROUTE PLANNING
GENERAL EVACUATION ROUTE GUIDANCE:
(Provide simple instructions citing evacuation routes in the following geographic directions)
Primary Evacuation Route: SOUTH

Alternate Evacuation Route: SOUTH

Primary Evacuation Route: EAST

Alternate Evacuation Route: EAST

Primary Evacuation Route: WEST

Alternate Evacuation Route: WEST

SPECIFIC EVACUATION ROUTE GUIDANCE:
During the evacuation planning process, facilities should create collaborative relationships with other “like” facilities
both within the immediate area as well as sufficiently outside the immediate area should evacuation of the facility be
required. Formalized agreements citing these relationships should be reviewed and updated on at least an annual basis.
Identification of “like” facilities that may be used for evacuation relocation include comprehensive mapping of
evacuation routes.
When possible, primary and alternate evacuation routes should be designated for each “like” facility or pre-designated
evacuation relocation site included in the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).


A primary route is typically the quickest way to an evacuation relocation site and would likely utilize main streets
and highways.
An alternate route to an evacuation relocation site will likely not be the quickest route and may utilize secondary
roads. In the event that main roadways are clogged or inaccessible during a mass evacuation of an area or region,
secondary roads may be utilized as alternate routes but need to be clearly mapped out in advance of an emergency
situation or disaster to avoid unnecessary delays in travel time.
It is recommended that comprehensive directions and maps illustrating primary and alternate evacuation routes
identified “like” facilities and pre-designated evacuation relocation sites be clearly labeled and inserted in the EOP
following this page.
NOTE: Mapping documents from reliable programs like MapQuest, Google Earth and other mapping providers should be
utilized to show comprehensive directions and a clear illustration of primary and alternate evacuation routes.
CAHF-DPP
Page 2 of 2