Evacuation Basics

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Look at the area map below. Click on the area you live in. If you do not know which area you live in, type your street address and zip code below and click "Search" to identify which Protective Action Zone (PAZ) you live in. If you need transportation assistance in an emergency, the carless collection points for your PAZ are provided below. If an evacuation begins, don't panic and don't rush. You will have plenty of time. When you leave home, create a sign to affix to the front of your home so officials will know you have evacuated. As you leave the area, tell a neighbor about the evacuation. He/She may not know about the emergency or may need a ride to a reception center. You may need to stay at the center for two (2) or three (3) days. This will depend on conditions at the plant.


Tap/click on the map to see your evacuation zone.



Download Evacuation Map


EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
  • Eyeglasses
  • Medical supplies (prescriptions, first aid)
  • Potassium Iodide (KI) if available
  • Money (cash, checks, credit cards)
  • Important papers (insurance, ID, bank books)
  • Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
  • Warm/cool clothing for three days
  • Drinking water and special foods
  • Pets, pet needs (food, carriers, medications)
  • Special items for infants or elderly
  • Personal needs (washing, shaving, eye and dental care, sanitary items)
  • Portable radio, flashlight, and fresh batteries
  • Extra set of car and home keys
  • Download Checklist

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EMERGENCY
1. IF AN EMERGENCY OCCURS IN YOUR AREA
Tune to a local radio or television station or follow the County of San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services (OES) on social media to stay informed of the situation.
Do not evacuate unless you are directed to do so.
Gather family, pets and emergency supplies so you can be ready to evacuate should the need occur.

2. IF YOU HEAR A STEADY SIREN FOR THREE MINUTES
Tune to a local radio or television station for emergency information.
When at sea, tune to Marine Channel 16.
Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is a life threatening emergency.
Do not evacuate unless directed to do so. These sirens are an indication to listen to radio or television stations for emergency information.

3. IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL OR DAYCARE
Do not pick your child up at school unless directed to do so.
Listen to local radio and television stations for details on school relocations or other actions.
Ensure you know what your children’s school or care provider’s plans are in advance.
Click here to see more information on schools

4. IF YOU ARE DIRECTED TO SHELTER IN PLACE
Gather your family members and pets inside the nearest building.
Close and seal all doors and windows, and turn off ventilation systems that bring in outside air.
Move to the center of the building. Take a radio with you so that you can listen to a local station for continuing information.

5. IF YOU ARE DIRECTED TO EVACUATE
Pack up your family and pets, and leave following emergency official's instructions.
Check on your neighbors who may need evacuation assistance.
Make a note of the reception center or shelter you can go to that was announced over television and radio stations.

6. IF YOU ARE NOT IN AN AREA DIRECTED TO TAKE ACTION
Tune to a local radio or television station to receive emergency information.
Keep the phone lines open for those who need emergency assistance.
Limit roadway usage to allow evacuation for those who have been directed to do so.
Be prepared to evacuate or shelter in place if it is directed for your area.
Continue to monitor the situation until the emergency is over.

7. IF YOU REQUIRE EVACUATION ASSISTANCE DUE TO A MEDICAL NEED
Ensure your disaster supply kit and bag of personal items are ready.
Leave the area with family, friends, or neighbors if you are able to do so.
If you have not pre-registered on the Evacuation Assistance List call (805) 543-2444 during an emergency.

8.FOR MORE INFORMATION DURING AN EMERGENCY
County Phone Assistance Center: (805) 543-2444
Tune to a local radio or television station for continuing emergency information.

EMERGENCY PLANNING ZONE (EPZ)
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that an Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) be established around each commercial nuclear power plant to allow for emergency planning and response. This zone was designated to be roughly a ten mile radius. FEMA has oversight responsibilities for nuclear power plant emergency planning within this area. To allow for further planning, the State of California expanded the Diablo Canyon EPZ so that it is much larger than the EPZ defined by the federal government.

The Diablo Canyon EPZ is divided into 12 Protective Action Zones (PAZ) and a 5 and 10 nautical mile safety zone. PAZs help organize emergency planning and response actions into areas that are familiar to emergency response agencies and the public.

If there is a major emergency, residents in a PAZ may be directed to take protective actions, such as evacuation or shelter in place. It is unlikely that an emergency at Diablo Canyon would affect the entire EPZ.

Surrounding the 12 PAZs are three zones known as Public Education Zones (PEZ). Residents in these areas are not likely to be affected by an emergency at DCPP. However, since residents in the PEZ (zones 13 through 15) are near the EPZ, general information about DCPP is also provided to them.

PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS THAT COULD BE TAKEN
Following an emergency at DCPP, the county may recommend precautionary actions that affect a limited number of people in a specific area. Precautionary actions may take place early in the emergency, when there is no immediate danger. Information will be broadcast to inform the public about precautionary actions being taken. Normally the sirens will not sound when precautionary actions are taken. Some examples of precautionary actions include:

  • Closing or relocating public schools.
  • Restricting hospital admissions.
  • Canceling activities expected to draw visitors to the area.
  • Closing parks, recreation areas, and beaches.
If the emergency becomes more serious and local officials determine that the general public in one or more of the PAZs need to take protective actions such as evacuation or shelter in place, public alert and notification systems such as sirens and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be utilized.

Following the use of the sirens, information about the emergency situation and protective actions that are directed will be broadcast over the EAS on local radio and television stations. It is important to stay tuned to a local station even if you are not in an area directed to take action.

Remember, preparing for emergencies in advance is the best way to help protect yourself and your family.

EVACUATION INFORMATION
In the event of a serious emergency at Diablo Canyon, people would likely be evacuated by PAZ. You can find the PAZ for your home, office, school, or daycare on the map above. It is extremely unlikely that an emergency would require all of the PAZs to evacuate at the same time. It is more likely that any decision to evacuate would involve one or two PAZs.

IF YOU ARE DIRECTED TO EVACUATE:
• Make sure the PAZ you are in is one that has been directed to evacuate.
• If your PAZ has not been directed to evacuate, stay tuned for further emergency information and instructions. Keep roadways clear for those who have been directed to evacuate.
• Pack to spend three days away from home. Remember to pack items such as: medications, important documents, personal hygiene products and specialty items such as infant or pet needs.
• If you have Potassium Iodide (KI), take it with you. Do not return to retrieve it. It is only a supplemental measure.
• Make a note of the evacuation route and the Monitoring, Decontamination and Reception Center. If you need a place to stay, you can receive assistance there.
• Children in public schools will be moved to a Public School Relocation Center by bus. You can pick them up there.
• DO NOT try to contact or pick up your children at public schools unless you are directed to do so. This could cause traffic and safety problems for children who are being moved.
• Take your pets with you. Remember to take pet food, carrier, supplies and medications. Listen to public information regarding shelters that will accept pets.
• If you have farm animals, try to shelter them. Leave water and feed (enough for several days).
• Help neighbors who may need evacuation assistance.
• Do not drive a car in poor running condition or one that is nearly out of gas.
• If you need transportation and can’t find a ride with a friend or neighbor, walk to the Carless Collection Point nearest you.
• Drive with your car windows and outside vents closed.
• Do not use the telephone except to report a life threatening medical, fire or police emergency.
• Only call the County Phone Assistance Center, (805) 543-2444 if you need information or assistance.
• If you are not at home, listen to emergency official’s instructions as there may be an opportunity to return home.
• Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for continuing emergency information.

EVACUATION ROUTES
U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 1 are the primary evacuation routes out of the EPZ. State highways and local roads can be used to reach U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 1. The California Highway Patrol, police officers, and other response agencies will direct traffic along these routes. Local radio and television stations will provide information about which evacuation routes to use.

WHERE TO GO IF YOU ARE DIRECTED TO EVACUATE
Go to the home of a friend or relative outside the area affected. If this is not possible, go to one of the Monitoring, Decontamination and Reception Centers announced on local radio and television stations. A Monitoring, Decontamination and Reception Center is a location where people can be monitored for contamination, receive assistance in decontamination (if applicable) and be registered by county and American Red Cross personnel. Shelter may be provided at the Reception Center or at a nearby location, such as a high school gymnasium. To the south of the EPZ, the Central Coast New Tech High School at Nipomo High School is designated as a Monitoring, Decontamination and Reception Center. To the north of the EPZ, Camp Roberts is the designated Monitoring, Decontamination and Reception Center. Listen to local radio and television stations for specific information regarding these centers. Assistance with locating family members will also be available at these centers. Service animals are welcome.

SHELTERING IN PLACE
Sheltering in place means staying inside with all doors and windows closed, and ventilation systems turned off. Sheltering in place reduces exposure to radioactive material. It reduces the chance of inhaling or receiving body surface contamination from radioactive materials if they pass overhead.

IF YOUR PAZ IS DIRECTED TO SHELTER IN PLACE:
• Gather members of your household and pets inside the nearest building.
• If children are at school, DO NOT pick them up unless you are directed to do so (if schools are sheltering they will not open their doors).
• If you are not at home, shelter in the building nearest you.
• If you are in transit, you should enter a nearby building or leave the affected area if you are unable to find shelter.
• Shut and tightly seal all doors and windows. Use duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting or place towels to fill gaps in door frames or windows. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have available.
• Turn off systems that bring in outside air. These include furnaces, fireplaces, air conditioners, vents and clothes dryers.
• Move to the center of the house or building.
• Keep a radio with you to stay tuned to local radio stations for continuing information.
• If you must go outside, place a damp cloth or towel over your mouth and nose. This will limit the amount of radioactive materials you breathe in. Limit your time outside as much as possible.
• Stay tuned to local radio or television stations in case the situation changes or until an “all clear” is issued

PAZ 1: 
Plant Site
Not applicable for the general public 


PAZ 2: 
6-Mile Radius Low-Population Zone
Call (805) 543-2444 


PAZ 3: 
Avila Beach San Luis Bay
1. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel, Avila Beach 
2. Fire Station 62, San Luis Bay Estates, San Luis Bay Drive 


PAZ 4: 
See Canyon/Prefuma Canyon/LOVR
Call (805) 543-2444  


PAZ 5: 
Baywood/Los Osos 
3. Los Osos Christian Fellowship, 1335 7th Street at Santa Maria Avenue, Baywood Park 
4. Trinity United Methodist Church, 490 Los Osos Valley Road at Pine Avenue 
5. Los Osos Shopping Center, Los Osos Valley Road near 10th Street  


PAZ 6: 
Pismo/Shell Beach
City of Pismo Beach

6. Spyglass Inn Parking Lot, 2705 Spyglass Drive, Shell Beach
7. Pismo Vets Hall, 780 Bello Street, Pismo Beach 
27. Pacific Coast Plaza, 825 Oak Park Road near Highway 101 (this collection point serves both PAZs 6 & 10) 


PAZ 7: 
Price Canyon
Call (805) 543-2444


PAZ 8: 
San Luis Obispo/ Cal Poly/ Cuesta
8. Foothill Plaza Shopping Center, 772 Foothill Boulevard near Broad Street  
9. Laurel Lane Shopping Center, 1257 Laurel Lane at Augusta Street  
10. Meadow Park Recreation Hall, Meadow Street at South Street  
11. Laguna Lake Golf Course Club House, 11175 Los Osos Valley Road at Laguna  
12. Veterans Building, 801 Grand Avenue at Monterey Street  
13. Mission San Luis Obispo, 782 Monterey Street at Chorro Street  
14. Padre Plaza Shopping Center, Higuera Street and Prado Road  
15. Cal Poly North side of Mustang Stadium, “O’Neil Green”  
16. Cal Poly parking area M, the corner of Mount Bishop, and Highland Drive  
17. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center (PAC) Parking 
39. Cuesta Community College Library Building #3100  
40. Cuesta Community College Parking Lot #3 on Romauldo Street  
41. Cuesta Community College Soccer Fields next to the Service Road


PAZ 9: 
Morro Bay
Cayucos

18. Morro Bay Presbyterian Church, 485 Piney Way at Anchor Street  
19. Morro Elementary School, 1130 Napa Avenue at Monterey Avenue  
20. Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road at Highway 1  
21. Spencer’s Market, 2650 Main Street at Elena Street 
22. Del Mar School, 501 Sequoia Street at Fir Avenue 
23. Cayucos Veterans Hall, North Ocean Avenue at Cayucos Drive  
24. Fire Station 11, Chaney Avenue and Ocean Boulevard


PAZ 10: 
Five Cities Southern Portion
Arroyo Grande/Grover Beach/Oceano

25. United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Road at Bennett Avenue 
26. St. Patrick’s Church, 501 Fair Oaks Avenue near Valley Road  
27. Pacific Coast Plaza, 825 Oak Park Road near Highway 101 (this collection point serves both PAZs 6 & 10)  
28. Elm Street Park Recreation Center, 1221 Ash Street, near Elm Street  
29. Arroyo Grande City Hall, 214 East Branch Street at Mason Street  
30. Peace Lutheran Church, 244 Oak Park Boulevard at Ramona Avenue  
31. South County Regional Center, 800 West Branch Street
32. Grover Beach Train Station, 180 West Grand Avenue  
33. Ramona Garden Center, 993 Ramona Avenue at North 10th Street  
34. Grover Heights Elementary School, 770 North 8th Street at Ritchie Road  
35. Grover Beach Elementary School, 365 South 10th Street at Longbranch Avenue      
36. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Avenue at South 12th Street 
37. Oceano Community Center, 1425 19th Street


PAZ 11: 
Price Canyon/Orcutt Road
Call (805) 543-2444


PAZ 12: 
Nipomo (North of Willow Road)
38. Lopez High School, 1055 Mesa View Drive, Arroyo Grande