Wildfire season is upon us, and the two recent wildfires in the immediate area makes it extremely important that all of us are prepared for a hasty evacuation in the event of yet another wildfire. Below are some important things to keep in mind, courtesy of Rural Metro.
3 steps to prepare your family for an evacuation:
READY – Prepare Now
Register with Maricopa County emergency notification system at: https://maricoparegion911.onthealert.com/Terms
Connect with MCSO and Rural Metro on social media.
Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations. Keep in mind physical distancing recommendations, wearing face coverings or other public health recommendations.
Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations
SET – Be Alert
Know there is significant danger in your area.
Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
Grab your emergency go kit.
Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.
This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.
GO! – Evacuate
Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening.
Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas
5 P’s of Evacuation
People and Pets and other animals/livestock and supplies.
Prescriptions with dosages, medicines, medical equipment, vision and hearing aids, batteries and power cords, face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
Papers including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or thumb drives), insurance papers, contacts.
Personal Needs including clothing, water, baby supplies, food, cash, credit cards, first aid kits, phones, and chargers. Items for people with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults and children.
Priceless items including photos, irreplaceable mementos and other valuables.
— Carefree Council Members Michael Krahe and Stephen Hatcher
