During certain types of disasters, you may need to leave your home in order to remain safe. Your family disaster plan should include locations to which you and your pets can evacuate (which might include an emergency shelter) and a way for family members to stay in contact. Be sure to sign up for OR-Alert to get notifications about emergencies near your home, business, school or other locations.
It is crucial to understand that access to evacuated locations will likely be restricted until the situation is secure. Residents will require evidence of their address in circumstances where admission is permitted in some cases (such as a government-issued ID). You won’t have to leave your house, but if you do, you might not be able to come back until the threat has gone. Citizens must avoid the evacuated area to ensure everyone’s safety so that emergency personnel can try to damage to homes and businesses as little as possible.
Evacuating when requested permits emergency personnel to concentrate on disaster control rather than saving the lives of those who have decided to remain. Take your pets with you as you flee. Remember, if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them! Animals, in fact, can distract or harm emergency responders who are attempting to save homes and property.
Level 1: Get Ready
BE PREPARED. ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD BE AT THIS LEVEL OF READINESS AT ALL TIMES!
Get ready long before an evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, and monitor emergency services websites, town and county social media, and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via the emergency notification system.
Know Your Zone! Visit the zone map page to print a map of your evacuation zone and review all the options available for you to exit your zone and exit town. Prepare a “GO” kit for each family member, and have a plan for pets and family members with special needs. Keep your evacuation vehicle gas tank full or fully charged if electric.
EVACUATION PLAN
- Make a plan and be sure everyone in your family understands it.
- Assign tasks to each family member for what to do during Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set), and Level 3 (Go!) evacuations.
- Have an evacuation plan for your pet(s) and livestock. If it isn’t for you, it’s not safe for them.
- Designate a meeting place. This could be a friend or family member’s house or an evacuation shelter.
- Choose an out-of-area contact person to relay information about your welfare to family and friends and keep your phone lines open.
HOUSE PREPARATION
- Make sure house numbers are visible from the street.
- Make sure driveways are wide enough for emergency vehicles to enter (10-12 feet wide).
- Prepare your defensible space.
EMERGENCY KITS – Keep them ready at all times in your home and vehicle.
- Include supplies for you and everyone who lives in your home or visits regularly.
- Include supplies for your pet(s).
- Include copies of important documents, phone contact lists, family photos, household inventory lists, and any portable valuables.
- Keep your vehicles filled with gas.
Level 2: Get Set
YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE!
Get set by maintaining situational awareness when an emergency threatens. Consider evacuating at Level 2 if your family needs extra time or if conditions feel unsafe for you. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area. Residents should voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area or if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Residents may have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
This may be the only evacuation notice you receive if conditions worsen rapidly, so leave if conditions feel unsafe. You can’t leave too early. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
GET SET
- Keep pet(s) and livestock ready to go in case you need to evacuate in a hurry.
- Be sure to have your photo ID or something showing your current address in case you need to access an evacuated area.
- Monitor local television and radio stations for updates.
- Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures (during wildfires).
Level 3: Go!
GO! LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
Leave promptly when evacuation orders are given or when safety feels compromised. Do not wait and leave too late. Do not spend further time collecting additional belongings or efforts to protect your home. Danger to your area is current or imminent. You should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to further assist you. You will not be able to return until the conditions are safe.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT DELAY! THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE!
Evacuation routing can change as an event unfolds. Continue monitoring OR-Alert, 93.5 FM, and other communications.
GO!
- Leave house lights on and windows closed.
- Let your emergency contact and/or family members know where you are going.
DISCLAIMER: The material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The information on this website is NOT intended to diagnose, treat or substitute for professional medical advice. Those with medical conditions or sensitivities to smoke should seek the advice of a licensed medical provider. If individuals need more information, they should consult a medical professional.
Wallowa County Air website is directly associated with and maintained by the Wallowa County Government. Any questions and comments should be directed to knesbitt@co.wallowa.or.us