Emergency evacuation is the movement of persons from a dangerous place due to the threat or occurrence of a disastrous event.
Let’s be honest. No one likes leaving their homes and belongings behind with no idea of what will happen to them. Unfortunately, there are events – and not just Hurricanes – that warrant evacuation from your home, neighborhood or city. Wildfires, floods, chemical or other hazardous material spills can all force you and your family from your home.
Please know that we will never ask you to evacuate unless we truly believe the situation could threaten the safety of you and your family. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience an evacuation order may cause but your safety is our #1 priority and our #1 responsibility. We will always err on the side of caution.
Below you will find our plans to help you evacuate for short- and long-term events. A short-term event would typically be a hazardous materials type of event like a tanker truck accident near your home, a bomb threat at work or an approaching tropical storm. A long-term event is one that requires additional time away from the area to ensure your safety like a hurricane or flood. Wildfires, depending on their location and current weather conditions, could be either type of event. As events unfold, we will assess them and call for the appropriate level of response.
Short-term or “In-County” Evacuation
Short-term evacuations are just as important as large-scale and you need to be prepared. Typically, a short-term evacuation only requires that you leave for a short period of time and within a certain distance. In the event of such an occurrence, local EMA officials with the assistance of police, fire and others, will notify you to leave and point you in the appropriate direction. As soon as the event is contained and every assurance has been made that you will be safe, the “All Clear” will be given and you will be allowed to return to your previous location.
Some situations will require that you shelter in place. Please review this material so you will have the supplies available should you need them, as well as the knowledge of how to protect yourself and others.
Long Term or “Out of County” Evacuation
The most common long term evacuation is in advance of a large Hurricane (typically Cat 3 or higher). Other events may qualify depending on the hazard. But, the procedures below would apply for any long-term evacuation.