Who orders an evacuation in Memphis?

The mayor, incident commander, or designated emergency official issues evacuation orders through City OEM and coordinating agencies.

How will I be notified?

Notifications use phone alerts (reverse 911), Wireless Emergency Alerts, local media, and official social media and websites.

Are shelters free and can I bring my pet?

Most public shelters are free but pet accommodations vary; check the shelter page for pet-friendly sites and requirements.

Memphis Evacuation Notices & Shelter Guide

Public Safety Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

Memphis, Tennessee residents must understand how official evacuation notifications are issued, how public shelters open, and what immediate steps to take during an order to evacuate. Local evacuation and shelter operations are coordinated by the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management with support from Shelby County preparedness teams and state agencies; read official alert and shelter pages for local procedures and current openings City OEM^[1] and Shelby County Emergency Management^[2]. State emergency authorities provide legal framework for declarations and mutual aid Tennessee Emergency Management Agency^[3].

Notifications: how you are warned

Official evacuation notices in Memphis use multiple channels: reverse 911/phone alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), local media, social media from official accounts, and posted evacuation signs. When an evacuation order is issued, follow the instructions in the alert for the evacuation zone and recommended route.

Sign up for city and county emergency alerts; check official City OEM pages for registration steps.
Pay attention to scheduled shelter openings and closing times as announced on official pages.
Use official phone hotlines and non-emergency numbers to confirm evacuation locations when in doubt.

Shelter steps and what to expect

When directed to a public shelter in Memphis, bring identification, essential medications, supplies for 72 hours, and documentation of special medical needs. Shelters are managed by local emergency management with volunteers and partner agencies; accessibility and pet accommodations vary by site.

Bring photo ID and any official evacuation notice or relocation paperwork.
Prepare a 72-hour kit: medications, copies of prescriptions, water, snacks, and hygiene items.
Inform shelter staff of disabilities or medical needs on arrival so appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Shelter capacity and pet policies are announced on the shelter page when activated.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of evacuation orders in Memphis is coordinated by the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management together with Memphis Police Department and Shelby County emergency partners. Specific monetary fines or statutory penalties for failing to comply with an evacuation order are not specified on the cited municipal or county emergency pages; see the linked official pages for current enforcement guidance and contact points City OEM^[1].

Enforcer: City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management and Memphis Police Department; complaints and reporting go through official emergency hotlines and MPD non-emergency contacts.
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence penalties is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary actions: evacuation orders may be enforced by removal, court action, or other emergency measures as directed by incident commanders; specific procedures are set by operational orders during emergencies.

Applications & Forms

No specific resident form for “evacuation permission” is published on the City OEM or Shelby County emergency pages; shelter registration is typically conducted on arrival or via official shelter registration tools when activated. If a specific form exists for special needs registration, it will be posted on the official emergency or county preparedness pages Shelby County Emergency Management^[2].

If you need medical or mobility assistance, pre-register with county/state special-needs registries where available.

Action steps during an evacuation

Monitor official alerts and confirm your evacuation zone immediately.
Shut off utilities if instructed and secure hazardous materials before leaving when time allows.
Follow designated evacuation routes and do not use closed roads; obey law enforcement directions.
Pay fees only if required for specialized services; standard shelter entry is typically free but check official notices.

FAQ

Who orders an evacuation in Memphis?: The mayor, incident commander, or designated emergency official issues evacuation orders through City OEM and coordinating agencies.
How will I be notified?: Notifications use phone alerts (reverse 911), Wireless Emergency Alerts, local media, and official social media and websites.
Are shelters free and can I bring my pet?: Most public shelters are free but pet accommodations vary; check the shelter page for pet-friendly sites and requirements.

How-To

Sign up for city and county emergency alerts on the City OEM and Shelby County pages to receive real-time notifications.
Assemble a 72-hour kit with medications, documentation, and supplies for each household member and pets.
When notified, follow the evacuation route, bring your kit, and register at the shelter desk on arrival.
If you cannot comply or need help, contact emergency services or the shelter hotline for assistance and document your attempts to comply.

Key Takeaways

Sign up for official alerts and know your evacuation zone.
Prepare a 72-hour kit and bring ID and medication to shelters.
Contact City OEM or Shelby County emergency offices for official shelter and evacuation information.