An Evacuation Plan for the District

Officials have drawn up the most detailed evacuation guide for the Washington area since the Cold War. Pennsylvania Avenue divides exit routes radiating from downtown Washington, determining whether motorists exit to the north or south. There are also 49 buildings that might be used as shelters in an emergency. Larger evacuation sites might be opened in the District, depending on the nature of the crisis. Jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia have plans in the event of an evacuation, but they have not been made public. Source: Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency