All-Hazard Evacuation Steps
READY – Prepare Now - Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.
Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff's office and public health department on social media.
Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations
SET – Be Alert - Know there is significant danger in your area.
Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
Grab your emergency go kit.
Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.
This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.
GO! – Evacuate - Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening.
Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.
5 P’s of Evacuation
People and Pets and other animals/livestock and supplies.
Prescriptions with dosages, medicines, medical equipment, vision and hearing aids, batteries and power cords, face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
Papers including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or thumb drives), insurance papers, contacts.
Personal Needs including clothing, water, baby supplies, food, cash, credit cards, first aid kits, phones, and chargers. Items for people with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults and children.
Priceless items including photos, irreplaceable mementos and other valuables.
RE-ENTRY
Returning (Re-Entry Phase) after an evacuation typically refers to the process of allowing individuals to safely return to their homes or places of work after the conditions that prompted the evacuation have been resolved. This phase is carefully managed and depends on several factors, such as the nature of the evacuation, the type of disaster, and local government policies.
Key Steps in the Return Phase:
Assessment of Safety:
Authorities assess whether the area is safe for re-entry, including inspections for structural damage, contamination, or ongoing hazards.
Clearance and Notifications:
Once deemed safe, officials issue announcements about when and how residents can return.
Information is disseminated through media, websites, and emergency alert systems.
Phased Re-Entry:
Return is often conducted in phases to ensure safety and manage resources effectively. For example, critical workers or residents in specific zones may be allowed back first.
Support Services:
Resources such as cleanup assistance, medical aid, and mental health support are often provided to help residents during the transition.
Monitoring and Adjustments:
Emergency Officials monitor conditions and adjust plans as needed to address any emerging risks.
By integrating wildfire and CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) specific precautions, residents can ensure a higher level of preparedness and safety during various emergencies. These precautions may include creating defensible spaces around homes to mitigate wildfire risks, stocking appropriate protective gear such as respirators or masks for CBRNE threats, and establishing communication plans tailored to different scenarios. Taking an all-hazards approach allows individuals and communities to respond more effectively to diverse challenges, safeguarding lives and property.