How do I find my evacuation route?

Check the City of Ontario emergency management page for route maps and sign-up for local alerts; county pages list regional evacuation zones and shelter locations.

Where are official shelters located during a large evacuation?

San Bernardino County and the City post shelter locations and opening information on their emergency pages; shelters may change by incident and capacity.

Who do I call to report a blocked evacuation route?

Report blocked routes or roadway hazards to the Ontario Police Department non-emergency line or through the contact methods on the city site.

Ontario California Evacuation Routes - City Ordinance

Public Safety California 4 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

Ontario, California residents and visitors should know official evacuation routes, where to find emergency shelters, and how local authorities enforce safety rules during disasters. This guide summarizes where the city publishes route maps and shelter listings, how to receive alerts, and practical steps to prepare, report blocked routes, and reach local emergency contacts.

Where to find official evacuation routes and shelters

The City of Ontario maintains emergency management resources that describe evacuation planning and alert sign-ups; check the city emergency management page for official guidance and local instructions City of Ontario Emergency Management^[1]. For reporting hazards or blocked routes to law enforcement, use the Ontario Police Department contact options listed by the city Ontario Police Department - Contact^[2]. Regionally, San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services coordinates large-scope sheltering and evacuation orders; county guidance includes shelter locations and evacuation status updates San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services^[3].

Sign up for local emergency alerts and Nixle/text services to receive route and shelter notices.
Keep key documents and a household evacuation plan accessible in case you must leave quickly.
Save non-emergency and emergency phone numbers for Police, Fire, and the City Emergency Management office.

How routes are designated and when to evacuate

Evacuation routes are set to move people away from imminent hazards to safer zones and designated shelters. Routes may change depending on the incident type, road conditions, and tactical decisions by Fire, Police, or incident command. Follow official instructions from Ontario emergency officials and county authorities during an event.

Evacuate immediately on an official order or when first-responder personnel tell you to leave.
Do not use routes that are marked closed by emergency personnel or obstructed by hazards.
Check official shelter opening times and destination instructions; some shelters have capacity or access rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Specific fines or statutory penalty amounts for blocking evacuation routes or ignoring evacuation orders are not specified on the city and county emergency pages cited above. For statutory criminal penalties or civil liabilities that may apply to obstructing emergency response, the city refers enforcement to Police and Fire agencies and to state law where applicable; the emergency management page lists responsible offices but does not publish fine amounts or schedules^[1].

Enforcer: Ontario Police Department and Ontario Fire Department, coordinated by the City Emergency Management Office.
Inspection and complaints: report blocked routes, hazards, or noncompliance to Police or the City Emergency Management Office; see the city contact pages for phone and online options.
Fine amounts and escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to vacate, seizure of obstructions, trespass notices, and court actions are tools used by enforcement agencies when necessary.
Appeals and review: time limits for appeals of enforcement actions are not published on the emergency information pages; any appeal procedures for citations or orders will follow municipal or state process indicated on the citation or order document.

Do not block or park on designated evacuation routes during an emergency.

Applications & Forms

The City and County emergency information pages do not publish a dedicated application form to designate or change evacuation routes for residents; operational route design is handled by emergency planners and first responders. If you need to report a blocked route or apply for emergency access, contact the Ontario Police Department or City Emergency Management Office via their contact pages.

FAQ

How do I find my evacuation route?: Check the City of Ontario emergency management page for route maps and sign-up for local alerts; county pages list regional evacuation zones and shelter locations.
Where are official shelters located during a large evacuation?: San Bernardino County and the City post shelter locations and opening information on their emergency pages; shelters may change by incident and capacity.
Who do I call to report a blocked evacuation route?: Report blocked routes or roadway hazards to the Ontario Police Department non-emergency line or through the contact methods on the city site.

How-To

Sign up for the City of Ontario emergency alert system and county notifications so you receive route and shelter updates immediately.
Create a household evacuation plan with meeting points, supplies, and mobility considerations.
When ordered to evacuate, follow official directions, use designated routes, and report obstructions to Police.
If you need shelter assistance, check county shelter listings for access rules and bring identification and any critical medical documents.

Key Takeaways

Know your evacuation route and sign up for official alerts before an emergency.
Report blocked routes to Police and follow Fire Department instructions during incidents.
Shelter locations are incident-dependent; consult city and county pages for current openings.