One route is a hope. Four routes are a plan.
PACE forces you to plan an evacuation before you need one: a Primary route (your normal, fastest way), an Alternate (a different way to the same destination), a Contingency (a route to a different, secondary destination), and an Emergency route (last resort, possibly on foot, prioritizing safety over speed). Work out and drive each one in advance — a blocked bridge or gridlocked highway is the worst possible moment to improvise.
The four routes
Your normal route
The fastest, most direct way to your destination — the one you'd take on an ordinary day.
Same destination, different way
A distinct road or path to the same endpoint, for when the primary is blocked or gridlocked.
Different destination
A route to a secondary destination if the original one becomes unreachable or unsafe entirely.
Last resort
Potentially on foot. Prioritizes getting your people to safety over speed or comfort.
Route worksheet
Fill this in for your own routes and keep a printed copy — this page doesn't save or transmit anything you type.
| Route | Destination | Distance | Est. Time | Fuel Needed | Known Hazards / Chokepoints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | |||||
| Alternate | |||||
| Contingency | |||||
| Emergency |
For each route, note a rally point or checkpoint along the way where separated family members would meet or wait — see the Family Rally & No-Comms Protocol.
Frequently asked questions
What does PACE stand for in route planning?
Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency. Primary is your normal, fastest route. Alternate reaches the same destination a different way. Contingency reaches a different, secondary destination if the original one becomes unreachable. Emergency is a last-resort route, potentially on foot, that prioritizes safety over speed.
Why plan more than one evacuation route?
A single route depends on one bridge, one road, or one direction staying open. Disasters routinely block the most obvious path — flooding, wildfire, gridlock, or downed infrastructure. Multiple planned routes mean one blockage doesn't strand you deciding under pressure.
Should I actually drive my planned routes ahead of time?
Yes. Practicing each route at least once, ideally at different times of day, reveals chokepoints, confusing turns, and realistic drive times that a map alone won't show you.
Navigating without a phone? See the GPS Battery Discipline Guide and Off-Grid Land Navigation Guide.
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