What should I do if I’m told to evacuate?

  • Stay calm. There would be no need to rush. You are more likely to get hurt by rushing than by exposure to radiation
    • Listen to local new stations for official information. If you are in the evacuation area, follow the instructions provided, including designated evacuation routes. Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency.
  • Gather essential items:
    • A change of clothing
    • Two blankets or a sleeping bag per person
    • Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
    • Medical supplies (first-aid kit, medications, prescriptions)
    • Baby formula or special food, if needed
    • Pet supplies
  • Plan for your pets:
    • Reception centers typically only accept service animals.
    • Make arrangements for other pets to stay with friends, family, or a pet-friendly hotel outside the evacuation area. Bring your emergency pet kit, including:
      • Food and water
      • Bowls
      • Medications
      • Leashes and ID tags
      • Veterinary records
  • Prepare your home before leaving:
    • Turn off small appliances and faucets
    • Turn down the furnace (if on) and switch off the furnace fan
    • Turn off all air conditioners and fans
    • Lock all windows and doors
  • Evacuate safely:
    • Get into your vehicle and go directly to a designated Reception Center. Locations will be announced via EAS radio stations.
    • Follow official evacuation routes
    • Register at the Reception Center so family and friends know where you are
    • After registering, you may go to stay with friends or family outside the affected area

Remember, if there was an emergency at Palisades, you would be given plenty of time to take needed action.

Evacuation routes would be announced on TV and radio stations. First responders would help direct traffic during an evacuation. If you have room in your car, take neighbors or friends who need a ride. During your absence, law enforcement would make sure your property was protected. Only authorized people would be allowed in the evacuated area.

Where To Go

If an Evacuation is ordered, you should follow the routes announced on local TV and radio. The actions you should take would depend on the nature of the emergency and the weather. You should drive to your Reception Center. Possible Reception Centers include:

Allegan County

Fennville High School
4 S. Memorial Dr.
Fennville, MI 49408

Otsego High School
550 Washington St
Otsego, MI 49078

Berrien County

Berrien Springs Middle School
502 Middle School Drive
Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Van Buren County

Gobles High School
4409 N State St.
Gobles, MI 49055

Paw Paw Middle School
313 W. Michigan Ave
Paw Paw, MI 49079

If You Need a Ride

  • Check with Neighbors:
    • See if a neighbor can give you a ride.
  • If No Ride is Available:
    • Stay inside your home.
    • Close all doors, windows, and air vents.
    • Send an email to PalisadesPublicInfo@holtec.com and continue to listen to news stations for instructions on those needing a ride.

Evacuation for Functional Needs Populations

  1. Congregate Care Centers: In an emergency, individuals with functional needs will be evacuated by emergency workers to temporary shelters known as congregate care centers.
  2. Hospital or Special Care Facility Residents: If you’re in a hospital or special care facility, your transfer will be handled through that facility’s emergency plan.
  3. If You Live Independently and Need Help:
    • Complete the informational questionnaire located on page 19 of the Emergency plan guide.
    • Mail it to the address listed on the form.
    • This ensures emergency workers know you may need assistance during an evacuation.

What to Do If Your Children Are in School During an Emergency

  1. Go to the Temporary Host Facility
    • Each school has a designated relocation site where students will be taken by bus.
    • Use only the roads specified by emergency authorities.
  2. School Relocation Sites:
    • South Haven School District —> Fennville Middle School
    • Covert School District —> Hartford High School
    • Bangor School District —> Bloomingdale High School
    • Watervliet School District —> Saint Joseph High School
    • Coloma School District —> Lakeshore High School
  3. After Reuniting: Parents and students may choose to stay at a congregate care center or with friends and family until the emergency is over.