Evacuating on Foot — Planning and Execution

Most evacuation plans assume vehicle transport. But vehicles fail, roads flood, fuel runs out, and in some scenarios — collapsed infrastructure, severe flooding, urban congestion — walking is the only option. Planning for on-foot evacuation is the backstop that ensures you have a viable option regardless of vehicle availability.

On-foot evacuation is physically demanding and significantly slower than driving. A typical adult walks 4–5km/hour on good terrain with a pack; 2–3km/hour on rough terrain; less if carrying a child or assisting an elderly or disabled person. Planning must account for realistic distances and times, not optimistic ones.

When On-Foot Evacuation Is Required

Scenario	Why Walking May Be Necessary
Vehicle breakdown with no alternative	No transport available
Roads flooded beyond vehicle capability	Vehicle cannot proceed; walking route exists
Fuel exhausted	No refuelling available
Urban congestion preventing vehicle movement	Walking faster than static traffic
Structural damage to roads (earthquake)	Roads passable on foot but not by vehicle
Vehicle access denied (emergency cordon)	Official restriction; pedestrian access may still exist

What to Carry — The Walking Go-Bag

The walking go-bag is lighter than a full go-bag because your carrying capacity is limited:

Category	Item	Weight Target
Water	2L + purification tablets	2kg + 0.1kg
Food	24–48h calorie-dense; no-cook	1–1.5kg
Documents	Copies in waterproof bag	0.2kg
Warmth	Emergency bivvy + spare layer	0.5kg
First aid	Compact kit + medications	0.3kg
Navigation	Paper map + compass	0.1kg
Light	Head torch + batteries	0.2kg
Communication	Fully charged phone + power bank	0.5kg
Tools	Multi-tool + lighter	0.2kg
Cash	Small notes	0.1kg

Total target: 5–7kg for an adult. More is possible for a fit adult on a short distance; less is needed if the destination is close.

Footwear: The most important item for walking evacuation. Worn-in, waterproof walking boots or shoes with ankle support are far superior to trainers or flat shoes for extended walking with a pack. If these are not in your go-bag, put them on before leaving.

Route Planning for Walking

Factor	Consideration
Distance	Realistic walking pace; 4km/h on roads; 2–3km/h on rough ground
Time	Calculate arrival time including breaks; an 8-hour walk requires daylight management
Terrain	Hills significantly reduce pace and increase energy requirement
Weather	Rain, cold, or extreme heat each require additional preparation
Hazards	Flooded areas; unstable ground; hostile areas
Waypoints	Where to stop and assess; intermediate shelter options; water sources

Critical distance:

• 10km = approximately 2–2.5 hours walking for a fit adult with a pack
• 20km = approximately 4–5 hours
• 30km = a full day's walk

For 30km+: Overnight shelter planning is required. Identify buildings, shelters, or camping spots along the route in advance.

How to Plan the Walking Route

1. Mark your start and destination on a paper map.
2. Draw the direct route — note terrain, roads, and obstacles.
3. Identify the road-based route — often longer but faster due to consistent surface.
4. Identify cross-country sections — useful to bypass road blockages or congestion.
5. Mark water sources — rivers, streams, or known public standpipes.
6. Mark shelter waypoints — petrol station, village, building that could provide rest.
7. Plan for darkness — know where you will be at sunset.

Pacing and Physical Management

Setting Pace

Fitness Level	Sustainable Pace	Maximum Daily Distance
Good fitness	5km/h	30–40km
Average fitness	4km/h	20–30km
Below average / carrying children	2–3km/h	10–20km
Elderly	2km/h	8–15km

Start slow — particularly in an emergency where adrenaline is elevated. Starting too fast leads to early muscle fatigue and a much slower second half.

Walk-rest ratio: For sustained walking over multiple hours:

• Walk 50 minutes; rest 10 minutes
• During rest: sit; elevate feet; drink water; eat a small amount
• Do not rest for more than 15 minutes in cold or wet conditions — heat loss during rest is rapid

Hydration and Energy

• Drink before you are thirsty — schedule water every 20–30 minutes
• Eat regularly — every 1–2 hours; calorie-dense food prevents fatigue
• Monitor urine colour — pale yellow means adequately hydrated
• Salt — in hot weather, add a small pinch of salt to water or eat salty snacks to replace electrolytes lost in sweat

Moving with Vulnerable Members

Children

Age	Approach
Under 3	Baby carrier on an adult; not practical for them to walk
3–6	Can walk short distances; expect 1–2km maximum before fatigue
7–12	Can walk further; 5–10km depending on fitness; light pack (1–3kg)
12+	Can walk significant distances with a light pack; treat like adult with adjustments

Elderly Adults

• Reduce pace to their capability — do not allow them to push beyond their safe limit
• Increase rest frequency
• Monitor for signs of fatigue, dehydration, or cardiac stress
• Prepare for significantly longer travel time

Pets

Dogs can typically walk significant distances but:

• Ensure they are on a lead in unfamiliar or high-stress environments
• Carry water and a collapsible bowl for them
• Monitor paws on hot surfaces, sharp debris, or prolonged hard ground
• Cats are very difficult to manage on foot in an emergency — carrier required

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Quick Reference

Factor	Planning Value
Average adult pace	4km/h with pack on road
Rough terrain pace	2–3km/h
Recommended pack weight	5–7kg (adult)
Walk-rest ratio	50 min walk; 10 min rest
Daily maximum (average adult)	20–30km
Critical first item	Worn-in waterproof footwear
Navigation essentials	Paper map + compass
Hydration	Water every 20–30 minutes; pale urine target
Children under 6	Cannot walk significant distance; carrier or push
Night walking	Plan route to be at shelter before sunset