Evacuation and Shelter in Suffolk

During some emergencies it may be necessary for people to leave an area for their safety.

Evacuations may take place when remaining in an area could put people at risk from hazards such as flooding, fires, industrial incidents or other major emergencies. Emergency services and local authorities in Suffolk work together to plan and manage evacuations.

Evacuation will usually only be recommended when it is safer to leave an area than to stay.

Types of Evacuation

Evacuations can happen in different ways depending on the situation.

Immediate evacuation
This happens when there is little or no warning and people must leave quickly.

Pre-warned evacuation
This occurs when there is advance notice of a risk, allowing authorities to plan and move people safely.

Evacuations may also involve different levels of coordination:

• Self-evacuation – people leave using their own transport

• Assisted evacuation – support is provided for vulnerable individuals

• Managed evacuation – authorities organise transport and direct people to safe locations

Returning Home After an Evacuation

People will only be allowed to return once authorities confirm that the area is safe.

Before residents return, responders will assess:

• Safety risks in the area

• Damage to infrastructure or buildings

• Potential hazards such as contamination or unstable structures

Authorities will inform evacuees when it is safe to return and provide updates through official channels.