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
Evacuation Warning
A potential threat to life or property exists in your area. You are not required to leave yet: pack your go-bag, load the vehicle, and arrange transport for anyone who needs extra time, including people with mobility challenges and those with animals.
Evacuation Order
An immediate threat to life exists. This is a lawful order to leave now and the area is closed to public access. 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