Evacuation
Know your plan before you need it
A safe evacuation is one you are already prepared for.
During an emergency, always follow instructions from your Sheriff, fire department, and official alert providers. This site provides preparedness information and does not replace official evacuation orders or emergency guidance.
Alert levels
Level 1 — Ready
Be aware of the danger in your area. Review your plan, park facing out, load your go-bag, and stay tuned to official alerts.
Level 2 — Set
Significant danger. Anyone with animals, medical needs, or mobility limits should leave now. Everyone else should be packed and ready to leave at a moment's notice.
Level 3 — Go
Evacuate now. Danger is current or imminent. Leave immediately by the designated route and do not stop to gather belongings.
Get the alerts
Local emergency alerts
Check with your county's emergency management office for the local alert service and registration instructions.
Radio and scanner
Keep a battery or hand-crank radio in case cell and internet service is disrupted during an incident.
Phone tree
Arrange a neighbor-to-neighbor check-in plan for residents who may need help or have unreliable phone service.
Go-bag checklist
Pack now, not later
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Copies of insurance, deed, ID, and vehicle titles
- N95 masks and work gloves for everyone in the household
- Three days of water and non-perishable food
- Phone chargers and a battery bank
- Change of clothing, sturdy shoes, and a wool blanket
- Pet food, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records
- Cash in small bills
- Flashlight and battery or hand-crank radio
The six Ps
If you have five minutes, take these and go.
- 1People and pets
- 2Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- 3Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- 4Pictures and irreplaceable mementos
- 5Personal computer hard drive and disks
- 6Plastic — credit cards and cash