Evacuation Preparation
Some emergency situations, such as an interface wildfire, may require you to leave the area. If you are advised by local authorities to evacuate, listen carefully to the instructions provided to make sure the evacuation order applies to you.
A decision to evacuate is made to save lives - do not ignore it! Take your grab-and-go bag and follow instructions provided by emergency officials. Take your pets with you!
Evacuation routes are not formally identified because each emergency situation and each response is unique. The safest route will be identified by emergency responders during the emergency and will depend on the type of emergency incident, location, road capacity, weather, time of day and other factors. For your safety, follow the evacuation route advised by the emergency responders. Do not take shortcuts because a shortcut may put you in the path of danger.
A disaster response route is not an evacuation route, but if needed, municipalities may utilize these routes as required to ensure evacuees are able to leave an area impacted by an emergency. Fire, police, ambulance, repair crews, emergency equipment, services and supplies must move quickly to where the greatest need is - and mobility is the key. Remember, it could be your emergency responders who are coming to assist!
Evacuation stages
- Evacuation Alert - Be ready to leave on short notice. If you leave before or during this alert, it's called a voluntary evacuation.
- Evacuation Order - You are at risk. Leave the area immediately. Local police will enforce and evacuation order.
- Evacuation Rescind - All is currently safe. You can return home. Stay tuned for other possible evacuation orders or alerts.
