Ready: Prepare Ahead of Time
Before an emergency occurs, make sure you’re ready:
- Create Your personal Evacuation Plan:
- Identify and map all possible exits and evacuation routes from your home.
- Familiarize yourself with the Santa Cruz County Evacuation Appendix.
- Identify which Zone your residence and workplace is located in by viewing this map.
- Set up assembly points outside your residence where everyone can meet.
- Identify family, friends, hotels or others you might be able to stay with that are outside your general area.
- Assign roles and responsibilities to the individuals in your household to ensure no one is left behind.
- Complete a Household Safety Checklist for your family (English and Spanish)
- Sign-up for Emergency Notifications:
- Equip with Emergency Supplies:
- Prepare an emergency kit or go-bag with essentials like clothing, water, food, first-aid supplies, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
- Prepare emergency supplies for your pets if you have them.
- Ensure that medical supplies and assistive devices for those with special needs are included.
- Stay Tuned In & Communicate with Everyone:
- Inform all family members, coworkers, or residents about the evacuation plan.
- Make sure everyone knows where to find emergency supplies and the designated meeting points.
- Communication tools: NOAA Weather Radio, Cell phone, e-mail, landline, MURS Radios, CERT
- Situational Awareness for Emergency Response (S.A.F.E.R.)
- Make sure your address signage is visible and reflective at night so that First Responders can see it.
- Practice, Practice, Practice:
- Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do when it’s time to evacuate.
- Review the plan after each drill to ensure its effective and make improvements as needed..
Set: Be Ready to Act
When the evacuation warning is issued, it’s time to set your plan into motion:
- Stay Calm and Follow the Plan:
- Trust the plan you’ve already set in place. Staying calm and focused is key to ensuring that everyone gets out safely.
- If you have special needs, need more time or have health concerns consider leaving early Direct individuals to the nearest exit and follow the planned evacuation routes.
- Follow the instructions given to you by Emergency Responders.
- Those with Disabilities:
- It is recommended that those with access and functional needs evacuate once the warning is issued – do not wait for an evacuation order.
- Assign someone to stay with them until everyone is out of danger.
- Use Communication Tools:
- If possible, use a communication method (e.g., phone tree, text alerts) to keep everyone updated and informed.
- Move Quickly but Safely:
- Evacuate as quickly as possible without pushing or panicking. Make sure exits are clear of obstacles and everyone is safely on their way out.
Go: Evacuate and Stay Safe
The evacuation order has been issued. If you have not evacuated, now is the time do so.
Once you’re out, it’s time to focus on safety:
- Gather at the Designated Meeting Point:
- Ensure everyone has made it to the assembly point.
- Stay Put Until It’s Safe:
- Once evacuated, don’t return to your residence or workplace until told to do so by Emergency Responders.
- Be aware of changing conditions and be ready for further instructions or evacuations from Emergency Responders.
- Stay in Communication:
- Keep in contact with family members, coworkers, or other contacts until the emergency is fully resolved.
Special Considerations
- For Businesses and Workplaces:
- Ensure that your evacuation plan complies with local regulations and safety standards.
- Consider the risks specific to your business, such as chemicals, machinery, or confined spaces.
- For Schools and Daycares:
- Implement child-friendly evacuation procedures and ensure all staff know their responsibilities.
- Practice evacuations regularly to help children remain calm and focused during an emergency.
- For Homes and Families:
- Establish a family meeting point outside the home to gather safely.
- Review the plan with all family members, including children, to ensure everyone knows what to do.
Conclusion
A well-organized evacuation plan can make all the difference in an emergency. With our Ready, Set, Go! framework, you can ensure that everyone is prepared, knows how to respond, and gets to safety quickly. Start planning today so you can stay safe tomorrow!