fast-guide
If You Need to Leave Tonight
A rapid checklist for urgent departure situations.
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SAFETY
If You Need to Leave Tonight
1. What to grab
Option: take only what is fast to reach and easy to hide or carry.
- Keys (home, car, work, storage)
- Phone and charger or battery pack
- Wallet (ID, bank card, cash if available)
- Any critical meds or medical devices
- One change of clothes and basic toiletries
- Important numbers written on paper (friends, work, supports)
- Any existing evidence that is already together (photos, notes, copies)
If grabbing documents is safe and fast, options include ID, birth certificates, immigration papers, protective orders, and insurance cards. If it is not safe, you can focus on digital copies later.
2. Digital steps
- Silence your phone; turn off location sharing if it is safe and you know how.
- Log out of shared devices or accounts if possible (email, social media, cloud storage).
- Turn off Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi if you are concerned about tracking.
- Delete recent searches or maps locations that would show where you are going.
- Use a device your partner cannot access, if available, for maps and messages.
- Save key contacts and any support numbers in your phone under neutral names.
3. Transportation
- Decide the safest option available: walk, drive, rideshare, taxi, public transit, or ride from someone you trust.
- Check fuel level if driving; grab a spare key if you have one.
- Choose a drop-off point that is not directly at your final destination (for example, nearby store or main road) if you are concerned about being followed.
- Avoid posting about your route or destination on social media.
- Keep your phone accessible but out of sight while you travel.
4. Kids and pets
- Take any needed items that are quick to grab:
- Diapers, formula, or comfort items for children
- Medications or special equipment
- Leash, carrier, or small amount of pet food
- Have a simple explanation ready for kids, based on their age, that does not disclose your exact plan in front of others.
- If you cannot safely take pets, consider:
- Asking a trusted person to check on them later
- Looking into local shelters or safe haven programs for pets when you have a moment
- Keep kids close to you during travel and hand-off points.
5. After you leave
- Move to a safe place for the next hours (friend or family home, hotel, shelter, busy public place).
- Consider turning off your phone or using airplane mode while you settle.
- Avoid sharing your exact location or new routine with people who might pass it on.
- When you have a quieter moment, you can:
- Change passwords on key accounts from a safe device
- Start a basic safety plan for the next few days
- Note dates, times, and any incidents while they are fresh in your mind
- Information on shelters, legal options, and advocacy programs can often be located through local services or online directories such as the resources listed at DV.Support.