(Astoria, OR) — Week five of Clatsop County’s Wildfire Awareness Campaign focuses on evacuation plans. 

“We urge everyone to take three simple steps to prepare for wildfire season. It could help reduce the stress that comes with any potential evacuation,” said Justin Gibbs, Clatsop County emergency management director.

Stay Informed

Sign up for ClatsopAlerts! so you will be notified when there is an evacuation. If you previously signed up, log in and confirm their contact information is updated. Also, check phone settings to make sure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.

“If there is an evacuation or a potential for evacuation, Clatsop County will notify the public in three ways: via social media, our website and email blasts. Right now, we have information to help people prepare for evacuations,” Gibbs said.

We encourage people to follow Clatsop County, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and local fire agencies.

Have a Plan

Being prepared starts with having a plan. That plan includes:

• An evacuation checklist that can be used as a guide.
• A communication plan with a list of important contacts and a safe place for loved ones to meet if they are separated during an emergency.
• Identifying multiple evacuation routes from home, work or school and plan for transportation needs.

“Discuss your plan with loved ones, friends and neighbors and practice it so everyone knows what to do during an emergency,” Sheriff Matt Phillips said.

If you or a loved one have with disabilities, consider your individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for evacuation, such as special equipment, transportation and service animals.

Have an evacuation plan for pets and large animals such as horses and other livestock. Prepare a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate. Pack food, water, leashes, bedding, identification, medication and vaccination or medical records. Plan for transportation of large animals and identify sheltering options.

Make a Go-Kit

Put together an emergency kit of essential supplies that you can grab in a hurry. Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each member of the household with health and safety items such as food, water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers and clothing. Visit Ready.gov or American Red Cross for recommended emergency kit items.

Know What Evacuation Levels Mean

Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system. Each one is based around the readiness need and threat level. Get to know “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” evacuation levels so you can make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices. 

“If you ever feel unsafe, we urge you to act and evacuate as conditions can change rapidly. Make the best decision for your safety,” Sheriff Phillips said.

• Level One means “BE READY” to evacuate.
  • Be aware of the danger in your area and stay informed.
  • Check county, city and emergency services websites and local news for information.
  • Pack and prepare to leave.
  • Check with loved ones and emergency contacts.
  • Reach out to neighbors, share information and ask for help if needed.
  • Some people should consider leaving early if they can’t move quickly and need more time to evacuate, including older adults, families with children, people with disabilities, livestock and pet owners, and those with limited access to transportation.
• Level Two means “BE SET” to evacuate.
  • This level means there’s significant danger in the area and you should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
  • Voluntary evacuation at Level Two is recommended, especially if people need extra time or have livestock to move.
  • Be prepared to relocate to a shelter or with family or friends outside of the affected area.
  • Don’t wait for another evacuation notice if it doesn’t feel safe to stay.
• Level Three means “GO.” Leave immediately!
  • This level means there’s extreme danger in the area and it’s unsafe to stay.
  • Emergency services may not be available to offer further assistance to those who choose to stay.
  • Do NOT stop to gather their belongings or make any efforts to protect their homes or shelter. Leave without delay.

Be aware that after an evacuation, you will not be able to return to the area until public safety officials announce it’s safe.

Find more information and resources at Wildfire.Oregon.gov/prepare.

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