Evacuation & Shelter-in Place

Summary of Actions

• Shelter in Place

  Some emergencies may require you to stay right where you are.  It may be that the particular circumstances make it safer for you than evacuating to a different location

  • Go inside your home or the closest building to you as quickly as possible
  • Close all doors, windows, fireplace vents, or other openings
  • Turn off all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems – close vents
  • Close drapes, curtains, and shades, and stay away from external windows
  • Get out your emergency kit
  • Use stairwells where possible – avoid elevators
  • Use telephones only if you require immediate emergency service
  • Turn on your radio to a local station for information updates – this is the best resource for information updates as Emergency Services will communicate this way

  When Sheltering in place DO NOT:

  • Call your children’s school or try and pick up your children – they will likely be under a Shelter in Place order and may be safer in the school than driving in a car through a hazardous area
  • Risk the safety of your pets.  If they cannot be found immediately, shelter in place without them
  • Leave your building or home until you receive notification that the danger has passed
• Evacuation Alert

  An evacuation alert is a warning issued to residents and people are asked to be ready to leave on short notice.  There are many circumstances when an Evacuation Alert may be issued by the local government.   If you receive an evacuation alert notification – Be prepared and get ready to evacuate

  • Contact your Out of Area contact to update them on your situation
  • Get out your emergency kit and prepare to leave
  • Starting activating your emergency plan – ensure you have important documents, medications, eyeglasses, mobility aids, emergency kit, and other things you may want to take with you INCLUDING adequate and season-appropriate clothing
  • Locate your pets and prepare them for evacuation
  • Tune into local Radio or TV to receive the most up-to-date information as it is released
  • If following on social media – ONLY take directions from local Emergency Services sites such as Police, Fire or your City website
• Evacuation Order

  When there is an impending risk to an area, an evacuation order is issued and people MUST leave the area immediately.  The decision is made by the local government based on the recommendation of the Incident Commander, who is managing the emergency “on the ground”.  These decisions are not made lightly and take into account public safety.  There are avenues for the enforcement of evacuation orders.

  If you receive an evacuation order

  • Activate your Emergency Plan
  • Close all doors and windows and turn off all gas and electrical appliances (other than fridge and freezer)
  • Close but DO NOT lock gates to your property
  • Gather your family and pets (take a neighbor who is unable to leave )
  • Take pets in a kennel or on a leash
  • notify your out-of-area contact and family  of the circumstances
  • Do not take more vehicles than is required
  • Do not use the phone unless emergency services are required
  • FOLLOW all directions and travel routes – evacuation routes are pre-planned and set to guide you out of the area safely
  • Listen to local Radio for updates
  • If following social media – take NO update instructions from any site other than the local authorities (Police, Fire, or your City)
  • Do not return until notified it is safe to do so
• Evacuation Rescind

  An evacuation rescind will be issued when the situation becomes safe and you can return home. It is important to stay tuned to other possible evacuation alerts and orders.  Returning home may come with other specific instructions that it would be important for you to adhere to, to ensure your family's continued safety.